used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
accomplishmentnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
(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 There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
bafflingadjectiveUS /ˈbæfəlɪŋ/
making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
Britz
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
cluenounUS /kluː/
a slight indication
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/
past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
destructionnounUS /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
diabolicaladjectiveUS /ˌdaɪəˈbɑːlɪkəl/
showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
effectivelyadverbUS /ɪˈfektɪvli/
in an effective manner
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
set up or found
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
Greig
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
hastyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪsti/
excessively quick
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
hindrancenounUS /ˈhɪndrəns/
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
invariableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/
not liable to or capable of change
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
merchant'snounUS /ˈmɜːrtʃənts/
possessive form of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
non-committal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
obliterationnounUS /əˌblɪtərˈeɪʃən/
destruction by annihilating something
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/
something offered (as a proposal or bid)
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
perpetratornounUS /ˈpɜːrpətreɪtər/
someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
pursuingadjectiveUS /pərˈsuːɪŋ/
following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
determined
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
shrugnounUS /ʃrʌɡ/
a gesture involving the shoulders
From this reading Britz, pursuing the search with the help of Greig, put an occasional question to the secretary, but the almost invariable reply was a non-committal shrug of the shoulders.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
without speaking
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
nonexistent
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not a clue to the perpetrator of the crime or the manner of its accomplishment, was found in the merchant's home.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were not wanting signs of hasty destruction, but the obliteration of all possible leads had been complete.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Two hours were consumed in the search of the house, and all the while Beard looked on silently, offering neither help nor hindrance.
Whitmore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading Had Herbert Whitmore, in a spirit of diabolical fun, resolved to present the New York police with a baffling murder mystery, he could not have carried out the design more effectively than in the manner of his taking off.
