used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
anew
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
react verbally
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
Barrant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
CornishnounUS /ˈkɔːrnɪʃ/
a Celtic language spoken in Cornwall
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
curtlyadverbUS /ˈkɜːrtli/
in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
derisionnounUS /dərˈɪʒən/
contemptuous laughter
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
a young female
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
leaguenounUS /liːɡ/
an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
for more time
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
loudlyadverbUS /ˈlaʊdli/
with relatively high volume
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
a female domestic
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
metallicadjectiveUS /məˈtælɪk/
containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
a brief written record
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
pridedverbUS /ˈpraɪdɪd/
past form of “pride” — be proud of
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
Ravenshaw's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
rejoicingnounUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪsɪŋ/
a feeling of great happiness
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
term of address for a man
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
sleepyadjectiveUS /ˈsliːpi/
ready to fall asleep
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
stealverbUS /stiːl/
take without the owner's consent
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
theftnounUS /θeft/
the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
tickedverbUS /tɪkt/
past form of “tick” — make a clicking or ticking sound
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading A sleepy Cornish maid appeared in answer, and Barrant informed her that he could not wait any longer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Startled to find that it was so late, Barrant sprang to his feet and rang the bell.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "The doctor may be in at any time now, sir," the girl eagerly assured him, as though she were in league with the clock to steal more of his time.
which person or people
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I will call again," said Barrant curtly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The clock in Dr. Ravenshaw's study ticked loudly in the perfect stillness and then struck ten with a note of metallic derision as though rejoicing in the theft of an hour from a man who prided himself on knowing the value of time.
