used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
anew
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
assaultnounUS /əˈsɔːlt/
close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
Atherton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
BeatricenounUS /ˈbiːətrəs/
the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
for the reason that
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
bitterestadjectiveUS /ˈbɪtərəst/
superlative of “bitter” — marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
cynicallyadverbUS /ˈsɪnɪkəli/
with cynicism; in a cynical manner
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
dartverbUS /dɑːrt/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
deftlyadverbUS /ˈdeftli/
with dexterity; in a dexterous manner
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
without deviation
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
duellists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
at any time
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
set up or found
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
an indirect suggestion
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
a social unit living together
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
imperceptiblyadverbUS /ˌɪmpərˈseptɪbli/
in an imperceptible manner or to an imperceptible degree
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
innocuousadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnɑːkjuːəs/
not injurious to physical or mental health
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
insultnounUS /ˌɪnˈsʌlt/
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
and nothing more
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
Overfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
PEACE-MAKER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
prolongationnoun
the act of prolonging something
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
provokeverbUS /prəˈvoʊk/
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
sallied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
shieldnounUS /ʃiːld/
a protective covering or structure
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
shruggedverbUS /ʃrʌɡd/
inflected form of “shrug” — raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
carry out
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading Beatrice never made an assault; was always ready for the least hint of peace; but guarded deftly and struck hard when she was directly threatened.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
Torridon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
precisely as stated
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A PEACE-MAKER It was a very strange household that Christmas at Overfield.
look attentively
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
at the time that
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading Its prolongation was possible because for days together the hostess retired into a fortress of silence, whence she looked out cynically, shrugged her shoulders, smiled almost imperceptibly, and only sallied when she found she could not provoke an attack.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mary and her husband came over with their child, and the entire party, with the exception of the duellists themselves, settled down to watch the conflict between Lady Torridon and Beatrice Atherton.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Neither would she ever take an insult; the bitterest dart fell innocuous on her bright shield before she struck back smiling; but there were some sharp moments of anxiety now and again as she hesitated how to guard.
