Chapter IX

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

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

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

give a benediction to

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

the two together, not just one

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

being joined in close association

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

plural of “contrivance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

a boxlike container in a piece of furniture; made so as to slide in and out

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

underpants worn by men

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

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

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

of great significance or value

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

the quality of having little or no significance

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

plural of “investigation” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

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

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

a person who likes to join groups

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

staying power

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls (1813-1873)

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

a particular point in time

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

out of fashion

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The heavy lid was held open by Huntley’s head, as he carried on his investigations.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

in an original manner

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

Apostle and patron saint of Ireland; an English missionary to Ireland in the 5th century

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

not used up

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

a relationship between two lovers

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

having a supporting base

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Almost its sole piece of furniture was a large old-fashioned mahogany desk, standing upon a heavy frame of four tall legs, and filling half the space; it was not like the bureau of romance, with that secret drawer where some important document is always being discovered.

the quality of having no practical use

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

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

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

in or at the place that

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.

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

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

which person or people

From this reading There were drawers enough, but they were all made by the hand of the joiner of Kirkbride, who knew nothing of secret contrivances--and these, as well as all the remaining space of the desk, were filled with the gatherings of Norlaw’s life, trifles which some circumstance or other made important to him at the moment they were placed there, but which were now pathetic in their perfect insignificance and uselessness, closely connected as they were with the dead man’s memory.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was a small apartment, originally intended for a dressing-room, and communicating by a door locked and barricaded on both sides with the east room, which was the guest-chamber of the house.

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading “Bless me callants! what are ye doing here?” said Marget, looking in at the door of the mid-chamber, where Huntley and Patrick Livingstone were together.