Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

terminate

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

having a high state of culture and development both social and technological

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “congregation” — a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

the act of conquering

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

a particular society at a particular time and place

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

-ing form of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

have supper; eat dinner

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

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

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

accept an excuse for

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

comparative of “greedy” — immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

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

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

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

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

plural of “lay” — a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

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

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

not any; not one

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

with much noise or loud and unpleasant sound

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

of or relating to the Olympic Games

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

above and across; more than

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

plural of “permit” — a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

superlative of “proud” — feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “sabbath” — a day of rest and worship: Sunday for most Christians; Saturday for the Jews and a few Christians; Friday for Muslims

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “supper” — a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

create by training and teaching

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

in physical discomfort

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

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

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

accept gladly

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.

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

From this reading Dinner was over, and the guests, broken up into little groups, were chattering noisily.

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

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

which person or people

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Such arts the gods who dwell on high Have given to the Greek.”--_Lays of Ancient Rome._ In the Strangers’ Room of the Olympic Club the air was thick with tobacco-smoke, and, despite the bitter cold outside, the temperature was uncomfortably high.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Perhaps the civilized custom which permits women to dine in the presence of the greedier sex is the proudest conquest of Culture.

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

From this reading Were it not for the excuse of “joining the ladies,” dinner-parties (Like the congregations in Heaven, as described in the hymn) would “ne’er break up,” and suppers (like Sabbaths, on the same authority) would never end.

but in spite of that

From this reading No one had yet given any sign of departing: no one had offered a welcome apology for the need of catching an evening train.