Chapter VIII

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

acted upon; influenced

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

anew

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

in the past

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

large black flightless bird of Australia and New Guinea having a horny head crest

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

a young person of either sex

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

relating to or based on or involving comparison

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

put on clothes

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

coming next after the seventeenth in position

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

inflected form of “emit” — expel (gases or odors)

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

like down or as soft as down

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

resembling gas

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

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

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

angered at something unjust or wrong

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

the act of suspending activity temporarily

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

plural of “item” — a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

and nothing more

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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 The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

used to form the superlative

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

and nothing more

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a person's partner in marriage

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

an announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

imparting vitality and energy

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

with honesty

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

plural of “squeak” — a short high-pitched noise

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

having the sticky properties of an adhesive

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

plural of “stocking” — close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

up to a particular time

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

precisely as stated

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading He was sitting in the supper-room, enjoying trifle, floating-island, tipsy-cake and the other items of a somewhat sticky and gassy supper.

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

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading I was already getting uneasy about him, though we had only returned to the comparative civilization of Port Moresby the week before.

which person or people

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading CONCERNING A CASSOWARY AND A HYMN BOOK “It’s a wise child that knows ’tis folly to be wise,” said the Marquis.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

a late time of life

From this reading The Marquis, who had danced without intermission from the first striking-up of the band (one piano, out of tune; one violin, much affected by the climate and given to emitting rat-like squeaks) until the eighteenth item in the programme, was now resting and refreshing; I, who had given up dancing many years ago and who wasn’t likely to begin again at a Port Moresby “shivoo,” was watching――if the truth must be told――watching the Marquis.

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

From this reading His partner, Mrs. Vandaleur, a very fascinating little widow in a demure black dress and the most scarlet of scarlet silk stockings, had just been carried off by the fluffy and indignant young Government officer to whom she rightly owed the supper-dances.