used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
alcoholnounUS /ˈælkəhɑːl/
a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
anticipationnounUS /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
an expectation
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
Ben-Zayb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
the two together, not just one
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
the act of burning something
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
checkeredadjectiveUS /ˈtʃekərd/
patterned with alternating squares of color
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
exhibitionnounUS /ˌeksəˈbɪʃən/
the act of exhibiting
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
lampsnounUS /læmps/
plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
LeedsnounUS /liːdz/
a city on the River Aire in West Yorkshire in northern England; a center of the clothing industry
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
LEGERDEMAINnounUS /ˌledʒərdəˈmeɪn/
an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
set afire or burning
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
a form of address for a man
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
not any; not one
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
objectionnounUS /əbˈdʒekʃən/
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
held or filled or in use
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
the local environment
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
express the need or desire for
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The room, hung entirely in black, was lighted by ancient lamps burning alcohol.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
vexationnoun
anger produced by some annoying irritation
From this reading Ben-Zayb smiled in pleasant anticipation of the vexation he had prepared for the American.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
in the company of; together with
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading A rail wrapped in black velvet divided it into two almost equal parts, one of which was filled with seats for the spectators and the other occupied by a platform covered with a checkered carpet.
YankeenounUS /ˈjæŋki/
an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)
From this reading LEGERDEMAIN Mr. Leeds, a genuine Yankee, dressed completely in black, received his visitors with great deference.
a late time of life
From this reading He spoke Spanish well, from having been for many years in South America, and offered no objection to their request, saying that they might examine everything, both before and after the exhibition, but begged that they remain quiet while it was in progress.
