Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

make known; make an announcement

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

without deviation

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

-ing form of “discard” — throw or cast away

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

one or the other of two

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

make a fool or dupe of

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MR.

plural of “necktie” — neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

not any; not one

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

past form of “pertain” — be relevant to

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

on the contrary

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading It was not a business that pertained, directly, either to the _Sea Gull_ or to the coming cruise.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

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

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

exceptionally

From this reading He made an uncommonly careful toilet, discarding two neckties before the operation was finished.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

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

From this reading Aleck had an errand on his mind, and he reflected that Jim was apt to be impetuous and reluctant to await another man's convenience; at least, Jim wouldn't perceive that another man's convenience needed to be waited for; and Aleck had no mind to announce this errand from the housetops.

but in spite of that

From this reading VAN CAMP MAKES A CALL Aleck Van Camp turned from the clerk's desk, rather relieved to find that Hambleton had not yet made his appearance.