Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

(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 The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a form of address for a man

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

Identical; not different.

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

in or at or to some place

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

in a softened tone

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

in or at that place or location

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

walk on one's toes

From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.

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

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

up to a particular time

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.

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

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.

a late time of life

From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.