absent-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
abstainverbUS /əbˈsteɪn/
refrain from voting
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
aliasnounUS /ˈeɪliəs/
a name that has been assumed temporarily
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
BrookesnounUS /brʊks/
plural of “brooke” — English lyric poet (1887-1915)
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
doingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/
manner of acting or controlling yourself
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
move gently or carefully
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
enactedverbUS /eˈnæktəd/
past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
an old word for “before”
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
excusedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzd/
granted exemption
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
Gerald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
indulgingnounUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒɪŋ/
the act of indulging or gratifying a desire
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
maintainverbUS /meɪnˈteɪn/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
being perceived or observed
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
OliveadjectiveUS /ˈɑːləv/
of a yellow-green color similar to that of an unripe olive
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
approval to do something
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
PIRACYnounUS /ˈpaɪrəsi/
hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts; taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
refrainingverbUS /rɪˈfreɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “refrain” — resist doing something
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
Schneider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
SinclairnounUS /sɪnˈkler/
United States writer whose novels argued for social reform (1878-1968)
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
strictadjectiveUS /strɪkt/
rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
TaylornounUS /ˈteɪlər/
United States composer and music critic (1885-1966)
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
in or at that place or location
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
traitornounUS /ˈtreɪtər/
someone who betrays his country by committing treason
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The meal therefore proceeded as smoothly as usual, though Gerald noticed that Taylor, _alias_ Schneider, was ill at ease, refraining from indulging in conversation, and looking across the table in an absent-minded manner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
look attentively
From this reading "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
(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 "Well, Mr. Sinclair?" said he to the officer of the watch.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading AN ACT OF PIRACY DURING dinner there was nothing to indicate that ere morning strange doings were to be enacted on board the _Olive Branch_.
at the time that
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
which person or people
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading When permission was given to smoke the captain excused himself and withdrew.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Captain Brookes had given strict instructions to those who were in the secret to maintain silence and to abstain from any words that might alarm the traitor.
