used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
abashedadjectiveUS /əˈbæʃt/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
react verbally
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
appreciationnounUS /əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/
understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
put or send forth
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
comedynounUS /ˈkɑːmədi/
light and humorous drama with a happy ending
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
confrerenounUS /ˈkɑːnfrer/
a person who is member of one's class or profession
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
contortionnounUS /kənˈtɔːrʃən/
the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
creakverbUS /kriːk/
make a high-pitched, screeching noise
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
discomfiturenoun
anxious embarrassment
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
gnawedverbUS /nɔːd/
past form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
half-muffled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
come to pass
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
not accessible to view
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
jurynounUS /ˈdʒʊri/
a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
Kase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
manifestverbUS /ˈmænəfest/
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
not any; not one
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
ominouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːmənəsli/
in an ominous manner
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
plankverbUS /plæŋk/
cover with planks
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
plugverbUS /plʌɡ/
fill or close tightly with or as if with a plug
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
preoccupationnounUS /priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
questionernounUS /ˈkwestʃənər/
someone who asks a question
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
rangedverbUS /reɪndʒd/
past form of “range” — change or be different within limits
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
significancenounUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
the quality of being significant
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
ter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
thereonadverbUS /ðeˈrɔːn/
on that
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Her arm was thrown over the back of the chair, and her face was hidden on her elbow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
tobacconounUS /təˈbækoʊ/
leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
tragicadjectiveUS /ˈtrædʒɪk/
very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
trenching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "'Kase I didn't happen ter be blind," her half-muffled voice replied.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To the others the discomfiture of their _confrere_ was the first touch of comedy relief in the tragic situation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
worthiesnounUS /ˈwɜːrðiz/
plural of “worthy” — an important, honorable person (word is often used humorously)
From this reading They cast at one another a glance of appreciation trenching on a smile, and the abashed questioner drew out a plug of tobacco, and with a manner of preoccupation gnawed a bit from it; then replaced it in his pocket, with a physical contortion which caused the plank on which the jury were seated to creak ominously, to the manifest anxiety of the worthies ranged thereon.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "How did you happen to see the man?" he asked, as if he had perceived no significance in her previous answer.
