accusednounUS /əˈkjuːzd/
a defendant in a criminal proceeding
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
agent'snounUS /ˈeɪdʒənts/
possessive form of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
(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 If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
move towards
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
arrestedverbUS /ərˈestɪd/
past form of “arrest” — take into custody
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
baldadjectiveUS /bɔːld/
with no effort to conceal
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
bothy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
CLOOMBER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
colouringnounUS /ˈkʌlərrɪŋ/
a digestible substance used to give color to food
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
CORPORALnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
couchedverbUS /kaʊtʃt/
past form of “couch” — formulate in a particular style or language
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
countrysidenounUS /ˈkʌntrisaɪd/
rural regions
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
exclusionnounUS /ɪkˈskluːʒən/
the state of being excluded
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
a social unit living together
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
ill-fatedadjective
marked by or promising bad fortune
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
impassableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpæsəbəl/
incapable of being passed
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
plodverbUS /plɑːd/
walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
purposelyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrpəsli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
realismnounUS /ˈriːəlɪzəm/
the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
RUFUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
express in words
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
the act of searching for something
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
shootingnounUS /ˈʃuːtɪŋ/
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
make square
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
not in physical motion
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
successionnounUS /səkˈseʃən/
a following of one thing after another in time
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
tenant'snounUS /ˈtenənts/
possessive form of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
thatchnounUS /θætʃ/
hair resembling thatched roofing material
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OF CORPORAL RUFUS SMITH AND HIS COMING TO CLOOMBER In making this statement I have purposely couched it in bald and simple language, for fear I should be accused of colouring my narrative for the sake of effect.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
create by training and teaching
From this reading That was still the question which stood like an impassable barrier at the end of every train of thought.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
at the time that
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
in or at the place that
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
a Caucasian
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If, however, I have told my story with any approach to realism, the reader will understand me when I say that by this time the succession of dramatic incidents which had occurred had arrested my attention and excited my imagination to the exclusion of all minor topics.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading How could I plod through the dull routine of an agent's work, or interest myself in the thatch of this tenant's bothy or the sails of that one's boat, when my mind was taken up by the chain of events which I have described, and was still busy seeking an explanation for them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Go where I would over the countryside, I could see the square, white tower shooting out from among the trees, and beneath that tower this ill-fated family were watching and waiting, waiting and watching--and for what?
