used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
agedadjectiveUS /eɪdʒd/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
(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 UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/
in an alternating sequence or position
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
awryadjectiveUS /ərˈaɪ/
turned or twisted toward one side
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
bowlnounUS /boʊl/
a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
bulbnounUS /bʌlb/
a modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving as a reproductive structure
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
butlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
ChippendalenounUS /ˈtʃɪpədeɪl/
a British cabinetmaker remembered for his graceful designs (especially of chairs) which influenced his contemporaries (1718-1779)
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
Chisholm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
cut-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
decanternoun
a bottle with a stopper; for serving wine or water
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
dismantledadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmæntəld/
torn down and broken up
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
emeraldsnounUS /ˈemrəldz/
plural of “emerald” — a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
fernnounUS /fɜːrn/
any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
fountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/
a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
fumblingadjectiveUS /ˈfʌmbəlɪŋ/
showing lack of skill or aptitude
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
garishadjectiveUS /ˈɡerɪʃ/
tastelessly showy
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was laughing immoderately.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
immoderatelyadverb
without moderation; in an immoderate manner
From this reading He was laughing immoderately.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading He was laughing immoderately.
set afire or burning
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
NelsonnounUS /ˈnelsən/
English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
persuasiveadjectiveUS /pərˈsweɪsɪv/
intended or having the power to induce action or belief
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
pushingnounUS /ˈpʊʃɪŋ/
the act of applying force in order to move something away
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
except for; apart from
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
sherrynounUS /ˈʃeri/
dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere; usually drunk as an aperitif
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
sideboardnoun
a removable board fitted on the side of a wagon to increase its capacity
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
stoppernounUS /ˈstɑːpər/
an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
tippedadjectiveUS /tɪpt/
having a tip; or having a tip as specified (used in combination)
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
uncertainlyadverbUS /ənˈsɜːrtənli/
in an unsteady manner
From this reading A cut-glass decanter of sherry was in one hand; the other was alternately fumbling uncertainly with the stopper and pushing back the persuasive fingers of the aged negro.
UNLAID
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
unnaturallyadverbUS /ənˈnætʃərəli/
in an unnatural way
From this reading His straw hat was tipped awry, his face was flushed and his eyes unnaturally bright.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It lighted the Chippendale sideboard, before which Chisholm Allen confronted old Nelson, the butler.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading THE UNLAID GHOST On the ground floor of the old house all was silent save in the dining-room, where a single electric bulb threw into garish relief the dismantled table with a bowl of fern glowing like a fountain of emeralds against the dark wood.
