Chapter IV · An Autumn Morning in the West

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

(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 table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

feeling or showing anger

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

destroyed completely

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

plural of “appliance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

take exception to

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

the process of gradually becoming inferior

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

a public act of denouncing

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

a state of deterioration due to old age or long use

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

command with authority

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

move gently or carefully

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

past form of “exclude” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

plural of “gale” — a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

a man of refinement

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

-ing form of “ignore” — refuse to acknowledge

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

not any; not one

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

above and across; more than

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

the possibility of future success

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

an associate who shares a room with you

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

in a confused mass

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

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

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading The Osprey's Nest was, I have said, like a direct challenge hurled at the face of western gales and Atlantic storms.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was better, however, in the inside, where, in a roomy apartment, most comfortably furnished, a lady and gentleman sat at breakfast.

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

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The table stood in a little projection of the room, admitting of a wide sea-view over the bay and the distant islands of Lettermullen, but as carefully excluded all prospect of the port,--a locality which held no high place in the esteem of the lady of the house, and which, by ignoring, she half fancied she had annihilated.

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

From this reading The tangled seaweed that hung in dripping festoons over the porch, the sea-shells that rattled against the window-panes, seemed like an angry denunciation of the attempt to brave the elements by the mere appliances of ease and luxury.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With what success, its aspect of dilapidation and decay but too plainly betrayed.