Chapter III

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

go together

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

(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 As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

speaking of yourself in superlatives

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

possessive form of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

plural of “complexity” — the quality of being intricate and compounded

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

resistant to change, particularly in relation to politics or religion

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

things that make you comfortable and at ease

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

converted from cryptic to intelligible language

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

well in the past; former

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

third-person singular of “develop” — make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

to come or go into

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

divisible by two

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

not divided or shared with others

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

set up or found

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

tastelessly showy

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

a state of high honor

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood; he later proposed that all animals originate from an ovum produced by the female of the species (1578-1657)

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

impressive in appearance

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

past form of “intercept” — seize on its way

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

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 It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

plural of “monument” — a structure erected to commemorate persons or events

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

comparative of “new” — not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

inflected form of “notify” — inform (somebody) of something

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

many times at short intervals

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

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

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

and nothing more

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

-ing form of “preserve” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

subject to question

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

in an impolite manner

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

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

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

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

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

a vivid mental image

From this reading They were not, and never had been, of an imposing appearance, boasting as they did only three stories; but they were nevertheless the blue-bloods among the city's commercial houses, preserving their exclusive position amidst the newer generation of garish sky-scrapers which rudely intercepted the vision on every hand.

someone who visits

From this reading As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

(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 As often as not a modest sign--if it could be deciphered at all--notified the visitor that behind certain doors could be found "Harvey Nettleton, Estate of," or, "Richard Fairchild, Estate of," or some name equally well known, and associated with a glory that had departed.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

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

From this reading THE FIRST PROBLEM DEVELOPS Doctor Westbrook's offices were in the Nettleton Building in Court Street.

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

From this reading It and its neighbor on the east, the Field Building, were of that solid old style of structure devoted to business, which knew not the elevator nor steam heat, nor any of the many devices that enter into the complexities, and often questionable conveniences, of the modern office edifice.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The occupants of these monuments of the old regime were in full accord with their habitations,--solid, conservative, and even aristocratic.