Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
altered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
appointments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
Bathgate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
betide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
bookshelves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
bought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
boxful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
brass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
Clinton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
contempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
cupboards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
drawers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
eleven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
fireplace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
five-and-thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
furnished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
grandfather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
groom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
handsomely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
happiest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
historian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
hundred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
Jack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
Kencote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
knick-knacks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
lain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
lattice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
library
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
lined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
MerchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
nobodypronounUS /ˈnoʊbɑːdiː/
no person; not anyone
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
papers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
personal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
photographs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
read
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
RECTOR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
remove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
Reverend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
rode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
scorenounUS /score/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/
Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
Smith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
Squire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
Surtees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
Times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
tomb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merchant Jack had furnished it handsomely for a library, and the Reverend John Clinton Smith, the historian of Kencote, had bought the books for him, and read most of them for him too.
twelve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a big room lined with books behind a brass lattice which nobody ever opened.
woe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RECTOR The Rector was shown into the library where the Squire was reading the _Times_, for which a groom rode over to Bathgate every morning at eleven o'clock, and woe betide him if he ever came back later than half-past twelve.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
writing-tables
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If he had returned from the tomb in which he had lain for a hundred years to this room where he had spent some of the happiest hours of his life, he would only have had to clear out a boxful or two of papers from the cupboards under the bookshelves and the drawers of the writing-tables, and remove a few photographs and personal knick-knacks, and there would have been nothing there that was not familiar, except the works of Surtees and a few score other books, which he would have taken up with interest and laid down again with contempt, in some new shelves by the fireplace.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though the Squire used it every day, and had used it for five-and-thirty years, he had never altered its appointments, and his grandfather had not lived in it.
