Chapter X · A Midnight Adventure

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

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

having a strong healthy body

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

anew

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

(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 might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

a game played with playing cards

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

a small inlet

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

at any time

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

a wide scope

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

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

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

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

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

being perceived or observed

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

not taken into account

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

arrange in a container

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

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

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

in a strange manner

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

of or concerning this or that

From this reading Or, again, a bag was brought forth, and the spirits ate heartily of the contents thereof.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

a source of difficulty

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

a sudden or mysterious disappearance

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

past form of “view” — deem to be

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

someone who visits

From this reading It might have been noticed, too, that through it all a certain careful vigilance on the part of the ghosts was observed, as though they feared that if surprised by a chance visitor they would have some trouble in vanishing.

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

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

showing signs of much wear or use

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

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

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading They were stalwart, able-bodied looking ghosts, and their habits were strangely like what might have been expected of four live men.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Sometimes, as they sat in one of the front garret rooms, by a window that overlooked the town and the whole expanse of the cove lying between it and the bluff, as well as the bay beyond, a well-worn pack of cards was produced by one of the spirits, and the four joined in a game.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.

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

From this reading The inhabitants of the peaceful town of Southport would have viewed the old haunted house with more concern than ever if they had known of the four ghosts that haunted it now, by day and night.