Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

make known; make an announcement

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

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

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a man who has never been married

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

United States anthropologist (1887-1948)

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

terminate

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a town at the southern tip of Illinois at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

plural of “chap” — a boy or man

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

clothing in general

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a small third seat in the back of an old-fashioned two-seater

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

every person

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

to an extreme degree

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a boy or man

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

being the right size and shape to fit as desired

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a reserve of money set aside for some purpose

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

in a gradual manner

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

go away from a place

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

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

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

worth remembering

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

according to the clock

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

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

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

receiving deferential regard

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

for a short time

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

a ghostly appearing figure

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

plural of “spread” — process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

adjust to a specific need or market

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

having a short and solid form or stature

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading In the second Merriton intended to break it gently to the other chaps that he was shortly to become a Benedict.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the third day of the week; the second working day

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

precisely as stated

From this reading Lester Stark and Tony West, very loyal and proven friends of Nigel Merriton, had arrived the evening before.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

which person or people

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Dacre Wynne was coming down by the seven o'clock train, Dicky Fordyce, Reginald Lefroy--both fellow officers of Merriton's regiment, and home on leave from India--and mild old Dr. Bartholomew, whom everyone respected and few did not love, and who was in attendance at most of the bachelor spreads in London and out of it, as being a dry old body with a wit as fine as a rapier-thrust, and a fund of delicate, subtle humour, made up the little party.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading THE SPECTRE AT THE FEAST Merriton, clad in his evening clothes and looking exceedingly handsome, stood by the smoking room door, with Tony West, short and thickset, wearing a suit that fitted badly and a collar which looked sizes too large for him (Merriton had long given up hope of making him visit a decent tailor) and waited for the sound of motor wheels which would announce the arrival of further guests.

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

From this reading It was the memorable Tuesday dinner, given in the first place for Dacre Wynne, as a sort of send off before he left for Cairo.