Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

later than; following

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

a name given to a product or service

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the act of burning something

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

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

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

opinion or judgment

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

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

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

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

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

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

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

past form of “inflict” — impose something unpleasant

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

immediately past

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

without rigidity

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

a form of address for a man

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

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

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

To move from a closed position.

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

(Greek mythology) the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra; his sister Electra persuaded him to avenge Agamemnon's death by killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

accept an excuse for

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

-ing form of “pluck” — pull or pull out sharply

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

past form of “salute” — propose a toast to

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

important in effect or meaning

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

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

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

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

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Mike, who was watching the couple, instantly noted a significant fact.

(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 I hope I see you well, barring the slight injury to the leg inflicted by Mr. Gerald Buxton last night."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

which person or people

From this reading PLUCKING A BRAND FROM THE BURNING "Good day, my friends!" was the greeting of the detective as he closed the door behind him, strode forward and saluted Mike, who, after his exclamation, rose from his chair and, open mouth and staring eyes, limply clasped the hand that was offered him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And what did the officer do but shake hands with Noxon, who kept his seat as if in a daze?

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I wasn't looking for you, Mike, but I was searching for Hor--I beg pardon, Orestes Noxon.