Chapter I

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a device that controls amount of light admitted

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

in an apologetic manner

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

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

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

brought into existence

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

lacking funds

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

having the place or position changed

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

the male ruler of an empire

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

divisible by two

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

an exasperated feeling of annoyance

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

being ten more than thirty

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

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

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a high ranking police officer

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

easily irritated or annoyed

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

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

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

of an obscure nature

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

above and across; more than

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a purple color or pigment

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

pierce with many holes

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

propose a toast to

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

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

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

term of address for a man

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the salute.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading "Cleek, the Man of Forty Faces," "Cleek's Government Cases," "The Riddle of the Frozen Flame," "The Riddle of the Night," "The Riddle of the Purple Emperor," "The Riddle of the Mysterious Light," etc.

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

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

compelling immediate action

From this reading Seemed distressed, and said it was urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

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

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.

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

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but there's a leddy come to see you.