Chapter II · The Yellow Snake

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

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

a densely textured woolen fabric with a lustrous finish

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

covered with or as if with carpeting or with carpeting as specified; often used in combination

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

past form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

with the legs crossed

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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 When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

containing an unusual amount of grease or oil

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

having dark hairs mixed with grey or white

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

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

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

out of fashion

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

precisely, exactly

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

-ing form of “sharpen” — make sharp or sharper

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

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

From this reading “Gutchlug,” stammered Sanang, “I am afraid of her!

attach a tag or label to

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

in the direction of

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

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

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

at the time that

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.

in or at the place that

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

a flat stone for sharpening edged tools or knives

From this reading A dusky-skinned powerful old man wearing a grizzled beard and a greasy broadcloth coat of old-fashioned cut known to provincials as a “Prince Albert” looked up from where he was seated cross-legged upon the sofa, sharpening a curved knife on a whetstone.

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

From this reading But he did not ring for the lift; instead he took the spiral iron stairway which circled it, and mounted hastily to the floor above.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Here was his own apartment and he entered it with a key bearing the hotel tag.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading When the young man named Sanang left the bed-chamber of Tressa Norne he turned to the right in the carpeted corridor outside and hurried toward the hotel elevator.