Chapter VII

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

plural of “auditor” — someone who listens attentively

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading "Well, I 'clar to gracious!"

not accessible to view

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

the act of discovering something

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

opinion or judgment

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

a social unit living together

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading "Well, I 'clar to gracious!"

death of a person

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

a social unit living together

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading "Well, I 'clar to gracious!"

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

connect closely and often incriminatingly

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

immediately following in time or order

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

not used up

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

a result

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

in or at that place or location

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

not seen or observed

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

precisely as stated

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.

someone who visits

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

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

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "Well, I 'clar to gracious!"

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

From this reading Her presence could not be concealed from the servants of the household, and however loyal these might be to their mistress and her three daughters, who constituted the family, they would very certainly talk, the more especially, if any efforts were made to keep the visitor in hiding in the house.

which person or people

From this reading It was Sam who devised and suggested the next step in the present journey.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading This declaration never failed to open the eyes of the auditors in wonder, and to bring from their lips the half-incredulous response:

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

From this reading Agatha's arrival at the house, under cover of a very dark night, had been unobserved by any one outside the household, but it was obvious that her remaining there would involve grave danger of discovery.