Chapter XXIV

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

later than; following

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

(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 It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

eagerly desirous

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

plural of “arrival” — accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

large room used mainly for dancing

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

the act of breaking something

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

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

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

closed or squeezed together tightly

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

an expectation

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

the organ of sight

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

producing no result or effect

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

coins made of gold

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

bordered by a line of things

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

the force of workers available

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

suggesting an unhealthy mental state

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

a form of address for a man

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

an uneasy psychological state

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

any new participant in some activity

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

paying close attention especially to details

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

existing in great number or quantity

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

past form of “postpone” — hold back to a later time

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

existing or coming before

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

by reasonable assumption

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

express the need or desire for

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

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

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

term of address for a man

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

lacking natural ease

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

informal terms for clothing

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

not provided with curtains

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

unaccustomed or unusual

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

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

From this reading The boy's face was lined and anxious, his nerves evidently strained to breaking point.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

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

From this reading Early arrivals were Lady Brenton and Sir Edgar, who at Cleek's request had returned from town that same morning, after a presumably futile search for any trace of Lady Margaret.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

which person or people

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading Close beside him sat Lady Brenton, her arm clenched tight in his, and Cleek smiled a little as he noticed that she wore a gold scarf--obviously the one which had been given such unwonted publicity the preceding week.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading It was not exactly morning attire, but she had evidently worn it in defiance of all gossip.

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

From this reading UNTWISTING THE THREADS In the big uncurtained ballroom of Cheyne Court the next morning, a plentiful gathering assembled for the inquest which had been postponed from the week before, and Mr. Narkom, who had entered with Cleek and a number of strangers that to an observant eye would have revealed themselves as plain-clothes men, watched the entry of every newcomer with almost morbid expectancy.