Chapter IX

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

any specific behavior

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

later than; following

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

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

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

someone who drives or rides in a boat

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

past form of “impart” — transmit (knowledge or skills)

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

the state of being inactive

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

a message received and understood

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

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

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

laugh at with contempt and derision

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

deficient in alertness or activity

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

the courage to carry on

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

not any; not one

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

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

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

put into a recess

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

past form of “recline” — move the upper body backwards and down

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading But it was a jibe from Roy that put the lethargic one on his mettle.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

in or at that place or location

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The others were inclined to jeer at Billy Walker for this surprising show of activity on his part.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It came after Jake had cut through the paper in a panel from floor to ceiling, by which was revealed a black opening into the space beyond.

the extreme end of something; especially something pointed

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

on a floor above

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

New Zealand runner who in 1975 became the first person to run a mile in less that 3 minutes and 50 seconds (born in 1952)

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

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

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

during the time that

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

which person or people

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN THE RECESS At the house, no one was visible with the exception of Billy Walker, who, on the porch, reclined in a large rocking-chair, displaying his customary masterly inactivity, the while he contemplated the tip of a particularly black cigar, which he had not troubled to light for the sufficient reason that there were no matches nearer than the hall.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The information concerning the recess within the walls was duly imparted to him, and he followed his two friends and the boatman to the closet in the hallway upstairs.