used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
using the voice; not silently
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
balkverbUS /bɔːk/
refuse to comply
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
an occurrence of something
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
Claude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
being joined in close association
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
CourtsnounUS /kɔːrts/
plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
an established custom
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
Hilliston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
inexplicableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsplɪsəbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
irritablyadverb
in a petulant manner
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
Lincoln'snounUS /ˈlɪŋkənz/
possessive form of “lincoln” — 16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
the force of workers available
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
not any; not one
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
solitaries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
suspiciousadjectiveUS /səˈspɪʃəs/
openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
Tait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "It is decidedly suspicious," he said in a low tone, "and quite inexplicable."
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
unmindfuladjective
not mindful or attentive
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
ventnounUS /vent/
a hole for the escape of gas or air
From this reading Like most solitaries, Tait had a habit of speaking aloud, and, unmindful of the presence of Claude, he stopped short at the gate of the New Law Courts to give vent to his feelings.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
whereupon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A FEW FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "What are you talking about?" asked Claude irritably, whereupon Tait became aware that he was not alone, but nevertheless showed no disposition to balk the question.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading WHEN the two young men left Lincoln's Inn Fields after the momentous interview with Hilliston, they walked on in silence for some distance, each busied with his own thoughts.
