Chapter X

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading "The tinder-box--the flint--where are they?

an orderly arrangement

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

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

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

cause to be attached

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

deem to be

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

plural of “description” — a statement that represents something in words

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

of a conditioned response; caused to die out because of the absence or withdrawal of reinforcement

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

past form of “flicker” — move back and forth very rapidly

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a hard kind of stone; a form of silica more opaque than chalcedony

From this reading "The tinder-box--the flint--where are they?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

an established custom

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

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

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a message received and understood

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

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

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

the act of departing

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

the literary culture

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

engage in

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

plural of “map” — a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

a particular point in time

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a sign of something about to happen

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

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

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

free from harm or evil

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

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

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

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

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

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

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "The tinder-box--the flint--where are they?

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

From this reading "The tinder-box--the flint--where are they?

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

conduct business

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

not informed through reading

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

plural of “wafer” — a small adhesive disk of paste; used to seal letters

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

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

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.

having relatively great weight; heavy

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

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

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

in or at the place that

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

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

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

plural of “wick” — any piece of cord that conveys liquid by capillary action

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As the door was opened the candles flickered in the sudden draught, bowed to the wicks grown long and unsnuffed, and in another moment were extinguished, leaving the place in total darkness, with the papers on which hung such weighty interests of life and death, of rescue or despair, unread in his hand.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

produce a literary work

From this reading Within the hall a pair of candles stood on the table where it was the habit to transact official business,--to write letters; to construct maps of the country from the resources of the information of the officers and the descriptions of the Indians; to make out reports and the accounts of the post.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Writing materials were kept in readiness here for these purposes--a due array of quills, paper, inkhorn, wafers, sealing-wax, sand-box, and lights.

but in spite of that

From this reading Demere was not a man to consider an omen and attach weight to trifling chances, yet he was in some sort prepared for disaster.