Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

(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 office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

in addition

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

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

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

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

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

a person who is in charge

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

plural of “client” — a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

performance of moral or religious acts

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

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

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

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

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

a conversation that spreads personal information about other people

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

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

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

a workplace for the conduct of scientific research

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

the force of workers available

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading THE OFFICE.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

past form of “ornament” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

above and across; more than

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

stiff cardboard made by pasting together layers of paper

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

everlastingly; for all time

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

past form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading The office of M. Ferrand resembled all other offices, and his clerks all other clerks.

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

-ing form of “scribble” — write down quickly without much attention to detail

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

past form of “station” — assign to a station

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

confined on all sides

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

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

From this reading THE OFFICE.

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

not held or filled or in use

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

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

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

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

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

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

From this reading A waiting-room, also filled with pasteboard boxes, and in which the chief clerk was constantly stationed, and another room, which, for greater secrecy, was kept unoccupied, between the notary's private room and the waiting-room, completed the total of this laboratory of deeds of every description.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was approached through an antechamber, furnished with four old chairs.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In the office, properly so-called, surrounded by rows of shelves, ornamented with pasteboard boxes, containing the papers of the clients of M. Ferrand, five young men, stooping over black wooden desks, were laughing, gossiping, or scribbling perpetually.