Chapter XIII

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

in addition

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

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

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

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

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

obvious to the eye or mind

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

furnished or concealed with curtains or draperies

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

comparative of “dense” — permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

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

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

accept an excuse for

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

conformity or harmony

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

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

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

the light of the Moon

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

not any; not one

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

weep convulsively

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

in the near future

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

carry out

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

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

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

migratory

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

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

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

look attentively

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

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

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

at the time that

From this reading A SOB IN THE DARK When Durgan had said good-night to the sisters, he made the warm moonlight night an excuse for wandering.

belonging to which person

From this reading He sat down a little way off, able to watch the lights in the house, and also the stunted oak into whose keeping he had seen Miss Smith confide something.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The house was closed; the curtained windows ceased to glow; but no one climbed the tree.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading The oaks were on rocky, windy ground, the old trees gnarled and conspicuous above the denser growth of low shrub.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He felt pretty sure that, as soon as the house was shut up for the night, the dogs as usual within, 'Dolphus would appear to take money from the tree.