used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
abatementsnounUS /əˈbeɪtmənts/
plural of “abatement” — an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
in actual fact
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
aidsnounUS /eɪdz/
a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
(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 Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
allowancesnounUS /əˈlaʊənsɪz/
plural of “allowance” — an amount allowed or granted (as during a given period)
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
appealsnounUS /əˈpiːlz/
plural of “appeal” — earnest or urgent request
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
borrowernounUS /ˈbɑːroʊər/
someone who receives something on the promise to return it or its equivalent
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
coerciveadjectiveUS /koʊˈɜːrsɪv/
serving or intended to coerce
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
courtesynounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsi/
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
cropsnounUS /krɑːps/
plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
demandsnounUS /dɪˈmændz/
plural of “demand” — an urgent or peremptory request
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
entreatiesnounUS /enˈtriːtiz/
plural of “entreaty” — earnest or urgent request
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
examiningverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
the organ of sight
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
an act that fails
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
formaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/
being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
gnarledadjectiveUS /nɑːrld/
used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
the act of departing
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
importunateadjective
expressing persistant and earnest entreaty
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
and nothing more
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
letter-bag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
the literary culture
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
loansnounUS /loʊnz/
plural of “loan” — the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
manipulatornounUS /məˈnɪpjəleɪtər/
an agent that operates some apparatus or machine
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/
concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
used to form the superlative
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
operationnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃən/
the state of being in effect or being operative
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
patheticadjectiveUS /pəˈθetɪk/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
perfectionnounUS /pərˈfekʃən/
the state of being without a flaw or defect
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
repaidverbUS /riˈpeɪd/
inflected form of “repay” — pay back
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
ruggedadjectiveUS /ˈrʌɡəd/
sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
subjectingverbUS /səbˈdʒektɪŋ/
-ing form of “subject” — cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
subscriptionsnounUS /səbˈskrɪpʃənz/
plural of “subscription” — a payment for consecutive issues of a newspaper or magazine for a given period of time
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
a state of acute pain
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
sumsnounUS /sʌmz/
plural of “sum” — a quantity of money
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
surgicaladjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrdʒɪkəl/
of or relating to or involving or used in surgery
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
tidingsnounUS /ˈtaɪdɪŋz/
information about recent and important events
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
torturesnounUS /ˈtɔːrtʃərz/
plural of “torture” — extreme mental distress
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading Then came, in rugged hand and gnarled shape, urgent entreaties for abatements and allowances, pathetic pictures of failing crops, sickness and sorrow!
precisely as stated
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
at the time that
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While this discussion was going on, Martin was seated in his own room, examining the contents of his letter-bag, which the post had just delivered to him.
belonging to which person
From this reading For the most part the letters were importunate appeals for money, subscriptions, loans, small sums to be repaid when the borrower had risen above his present difficulties, aids to effect some little enterprise on whose very face was failure.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A very casual glance at his features would have discovered that the tidings which met his eye were very rarely of a pleasant character.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading Then there were the more formal demands for sums actually due, written in the perfection of coercive courtesy, subjecting the reader to all the tortures of a moral surgical operation, a suffering actually increased by the very dexterity of the manipulator.
