used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
ALLENnounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
ballroomnounUS /ˈbɔːlruːm/
large room used mainly for dancing
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
bedstand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
bottlesnounUS /ˈbɑːtəlz/
plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
coat-sweater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
crinkling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
emergedverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒd/
past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
Fordyce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
ghostlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊstli/
resembling or characteristic of a phantom
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
hallsnounUS /hɔːlz/
plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
KATHRYN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
immediately past
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
the sound of laughing
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
lengthyadjectiveUS /ˈleŋθi/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
hear with intention
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
Marjorie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
nestledadjectiveUS /ˈnesəld/
drawn or pressed close to someone or something for or as if for affection or protection
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
night-lightnoun
light (as a candle or small bulb) that burns in a bedroom at night (as for children or invalids)
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
not any; not one
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
nurse'snounUS /ˈnɜːrsɪz/
possessive form of “nurse” — one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
peepedverbUS /piːpt/
past form of “peep” — look furtively
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
PHANTOMSnounUS /ˈfæntəmz/
plural of “phantom” — a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
rubber-soled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
a particular situation
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
starchedverbUS /stɑːrtʃt/
past form of “starch” — stiffen with starch
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
sweaternounUS /ˈswetər/
a crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Her rubber-soled shoes made no sound, and she passed through the empty rooms and halls in ghostly silence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Finally, reaching the drawing-room floor, she paused to listen to the distant hum of voices and gay laughter coming faintly from the dining-room, then she peeped into the ballroom.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Satisfied that her patient was at last asleep, she arranged the night-light, placed several bottles and glasses on the bedstand, and left the room.
at the time that
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading First, she paid a lengthy visit to Marjorie’s old room, and when she emerged into the hall her white gown was covered by a dark coat-sweater which Mrs. Fordyce had given to Marjorie at Christmas, and the becoming white nurse’s cap nestled in one of the pockets of the sweater.
a Caucasian
From this reading PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT KATHRYN ALLEN, taking care that her starched white nurse’s uniform made no crinkling sound, bent over Mrs. Fordyce and listened to her regular breathing.
