Chapter VI

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

set up or found

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

free of deceit

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

and nothing more

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

above and across; more than

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

the local environment

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

and nothing more

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

with firmness and conviction; without compromise

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

believed likely

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

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

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

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

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading “I was a cruisin’ about in these parts—bein’ near the water, and so comin’ more nateral like—w’en I turned in there for a toothful, an’ found they let beds.

plural of “waterman” — someone who drives or rides in a boat

From this reading AT THE SIGN OF “THE THREE WATERMEN” For a few moments Philip Chater sat gazing at Peter Quist, as though he half suspected that the man knew more than his guileless face proclaimed, and that he was playing a joke upon him.

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

From this reading Wantin’ a bed—(for man were not made to sleep on the ’ard ground)—I took it.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

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

From this reading It looks over the river, an’ is cheap—which is a consideration.”

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Seeing, however, that his friend appeared to be completely in earnest, and that he had simply answered his question as straightforwardly as it had been put, he merely remarked, in a surprised tone— “Why—what takes you to ‘The Three Watermen’?”