Chapter I

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

feeling or showing anger

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

make a strident sound

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading For it was Christmas Eve.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

plural of “dash” — distinctive and stylish elegance

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading For it was Christmas Eve.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For it was Christmas Eve.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

(accounting) an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired (over and above its tangible assets)

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

plural of “gust” — a strong current of air

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

past form of “howl” — emit long loud cries

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

a particular point in time

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

not any; not one

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

occurring from time to time

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

an angry dispute

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

habitually complaining

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

worried and uneasy

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

past form of “scratch” — cause friction

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

sharp piercing cry

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

a descent as through liquid (especially through water)

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

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

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE LIFE EVERLASTING” “THELMA” “HOLY ORDERS” “THE SORROWS OF SATAN” ETC.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

at the time that

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

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

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A wild night, with a gale of wind, a wind that scratched and tore and howled at doors and windows like an angry cat spitting and spluttering--its miauling voice now rising, now sinking--at one moment savage, at another querulous, but always incessant of complaint, with a threatening under snarl of restless rage in its tone.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.

but in spite of that

From this reading A wild night!--full of storm and quarrel, with occasional dashes of cold rain sweeping down on the shrieking blast like gusts of angry tears--a noisy night in which the elements were at open war with themselves, making no secret of their hostile intentions--and yet it was the one night of all nights in the year when “peace and goodwill” were the suggested influences of the time.