Chapter XIX

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

plural of “annoyance” — the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

on or to one side

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

terminate

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

the act of eating dinner

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.

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

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

plural of “emergency” — a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

a stable situation in which forces cancel one another

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

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

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

not any; not one

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

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

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

possessive form of “ogden” — English psychologist who collaborated with I. A. Richards in designing Basic English (1889-1957)

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

make short successive sounds

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

Identical; not different.

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

plural of “saucer” — something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

agitating a liquid with an implement

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

consent reluctantly

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

in or at that place or location

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

(informal) small and of little importance

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

unshaken in purpose

From this reading “On the same principle that human nature can face undaunted the emergencies of life, and succumb to every day trivial annoyances,” answered the professor, stirring his coffee.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

causing an emotional disturbance

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading “There, there, run along,” she exclaimed in an annoyed aside and dropping her usual dignified manner of addressing her servants.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.

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

From this reading UNEXPECTED EVIDENCE THERE was an uncomfortable silence in the Ogdens’ drawing room, which no one cared to break, and Charles, the butler, his equilibrium not fully restored since his appearance at the inquest that afternoon, rattled the cups and saucers on his silver tray as he passed the after-dinner coffee in a way which set Mrs. Ogden’s teeth on edge.

which person or people

From this reading Small noises,” she added, addressing Professor Norcross, who sat not far from her, “small noises are more upsetting than big ones.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And whatever you do, Charles, _don’t_ rattle the silver in the dining room.