Chapter IV

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

rid of obstructions

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

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

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

the best people or things in a group

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

dark purple plum of the damson tree

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

negotiation between nations

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

one or the other of two

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

past form of “equal” — be identical or equivalent to

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

past form of “freshen” — make (to feel) fresh

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

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

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

superlative of “light” — of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

of a white the color of fresh milk

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

reduced to liquid form by heating

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

linens for the dining table

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

as might be expected

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

not any; not one

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

and nothing more

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

footwear usually with wooden soles

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

(baseball) the person who does the pitching

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

fruit preserved by cooking with sugar

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

past form of “preside” — act as president

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

plural of “ruby” — a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading On the table were damson preserves, a clear crimson as of molten rubies; milk-white bread; a bowl of crisp salad fresh from the garden; and a pitcher of milk so heavy with cream that it poured the lightest possible shade of coffee-color.

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

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

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 QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

express in words

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading Aunt Philomela had freshened herself in a purple gown relieved by spider thread lace.

up to a particular time

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet

From this reading She herself presided at the quaint old silver tea urn, so that naturally marked the head of the board.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

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

From this reading But Barnes and Miss Van Patten were placed equi-distant from her on either side so that they did not face one another.

which person or people

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.

in the company of; together with

From this reading QUESTIONS OF DIPLOMACY At the round table covered with sun-bleached napery and silver that caught the candle light until it seemed ablaze, Aunt Philomela, with a diplomacy equaled only by that of King Arthur, had so arranged the places that no one could tell who sat opposite who.