Chapter II

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

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

(old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

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

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

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

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

a youthful male person

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

a category falling within certain defined limits

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

extremely robust

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

excessively fat

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

increase twofold

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

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

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

being one more than seven

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

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

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

divisible by two

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

apart from; not including

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

the act of departing

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

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

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

light in a transparent protective case

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

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 The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

set afire or burning

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

provided with artificial light

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

large and complicated reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

large European dormouse

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

plain-woven cotton fabric

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

not any; not one

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

someone legally empowered to witness signatures and certify a document's validity and to take depositions

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

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

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

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

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

go across or through

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

covered with a firm surface

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

precisely, exactly

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

past form of “rivet” — direct one's attention on something

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

a strong line

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

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

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

being very thin

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

past form of “snow” — fall as snow

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

up to a particular time

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

precisely as stated

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading From afar might be seen the gleam of the two professional escutcheons against the chalk-like wall of the low buildings; and, behind, a narrow garden stretched down to the Loir.

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

From this reading The house of Maître Baillehache, notary at Cloyes, was situated in the Rue Grouaise, on the left hand going to Châteaudun.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

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

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

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

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

a Caucasian

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A little white, one-storey house it was, at the corner of which a bracket was riveted for the rope of the single lantern which lighted this broad, paved street, deserted during the week, but on Saturday nights crowded with a living tide of peasants coming to market.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.

the act of creating written works

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading The other two clerks--one old, corpulent, and very dirty; one younger, scraggy, and a hopeless victim to liver complaint--were writing at a double desk of ebonised deal, there being no other furniture except seven or eight chairs and a cast-iron stove, which was never lit till December, even if it snowed a month before.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading On that Saturday, in the room which served as an office, and which looked out upon the street to the right of the entrance hall, the youngest clerk, a pale, wizened boy of fifteen, had drawn up one of the muslin curtains to see the people pass.