Chapter XXI

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

possessive form of “alexander” — European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

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

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

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

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

for the reason that

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

a brother by marriage

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

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

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

to an extreme degree

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

fit for habitation

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

denoting a quantity consisting of six items or units

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

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

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

a social unit living together

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

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

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

in an insane manner

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

French soldier who served under George Washington in the American Revolution (1757-1834)

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

easily agitated

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

located far away spatially

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

workplace for the teaching or practice of an art

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

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

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

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

From this reading Crowdie had received a communication from his brother-in-law, telling him of Alexander’s contemplated attack and enquiring as to Crowdie’s opinion, more as a matter of form than because he expected any interference or needed any help.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

not in accord with or not following current fashion

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

German conductor (1876-1962)

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

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

From this reading In each household there was rumour of war and discussion of plans, and the nervous tension was already great.

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

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

in or at the place that

From this reading In Lafayette Place, the exceedingly unfashionable and somewhat remote corner where the Crowdies dwelt in one of the half-dozen habitable houses there situated, there was considerable disturbance.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Walter Crowdie and his wife were in the studio, alone together, talking about it all.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Hester Crowdie was a nervously organized woman, almost insanely in love with her husband.