Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

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

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

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

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

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

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

a busy port and financial center in northern Belgium on the Scheldt river; it has long been a center for the diamond industry and the first stock exchange was opened there in 1460

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

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

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

past form of “borrow” — get temporarily

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

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

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

past form of “clean” — make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

plural of “crease” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

the process of gradually becoming inferior

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

past form of “deface” — mar or spoil the appearance of

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

past form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

past form of “discolor” — lose color or turn colorless

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

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

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

make (to feel) fresh

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

plural of “frontier” — a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

plural of “highway” — a major road for any form of motor transport

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

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

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

plural of “joint” — (anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

plural of “leather” — an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

the local environment

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

plural of “repair” — the act of putting something in working order again

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

the property of being extremely abundant

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

inclined to shake as from weakness or defect

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

uttered with a trill

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

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

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

something reduced to its minimal form

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

not in physical motion

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

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

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

a special situation

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

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

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

in the direction of

From this reading Near the end of July, 1842, an open _calèche_ might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp.

the act of using

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

plural of “vestige” — an indication that something has been present

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

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

From this reading Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.

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

From this reading Its patched leathers shone in the sunshine with the oil that had been used to freshen them, but the borrowed lustre could not hide the cracks and repairs with which they were defaced.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading The door-handles and other parts of the vehicle that were made of copper had been carefully polished, and the vestiges of silver-plating, still visible in the creases of the ornaments, denoted a former richness which had been almost entirely worn out by time and use.