used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
accomplicenounUS /əˈkɑːm.plɪs/
A person who helps another commit a daring crime or secret scheme.
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
advisedadjectiveUS /ædˈvaɪzd/
having the benefit of careful prior consideration or counsel
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
authoritiesnounUS /əˈθɔːrətiz/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
blackmailedverbUS /ˈblækmeɪld/
past form of “blackmail” — exert pressure on someone through threats
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
a game played with playing cards
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
dealingsnounUS /ˈdiːlɪŋz/
social or verbal interchange (usually followed by “with”)
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
Dimsdale's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
disguisedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡaɪzd/
having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
doubtsnounUS /daʊts/
plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
duly-appointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
foreignernounUS /ˈfɔːrənər/
a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
intimidatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪd/
made timid or fearful as by threats
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
navvynoun
a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
not any; not one
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
not one, and not any
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
proceedingsnounUS /proʊˈsiːdɪŋz/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
publicationnounUS /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/
a copy of a printed work offered for distribution
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
roguenounUS /roʊɡ/
a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
SpidernounUS /ˈspaɪdər/
predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading It therefore can easily be guessed that no one had the courage to lay the rogue by the heels.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
Vernon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vernon had his doubts as to the success of Mr. Dimsdale's scheme.
precisely as stated
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
victimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/
plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
waryadjectiveUS /ˈweri/
marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Spider, as the authorities very well knew, was a wary individual, and in all dealings with his victims had been careful to provide for his own safety.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The reason was that The Spider invariably advised them beforehand by letter that his accomplice held the evidence of the secrets for which they were being blackmailed, and that any proceedings being taken would result in the publication of these by cards being sent to their friends and relatives and acquaintances.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading He certainly met them at duly-appointed places, disguised as an old woman or a young man, as a navvy or as a foreigner; but none of those he intimidated dared to call in the police.
