Chapter I

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

(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 street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the time of a man's life prior to marriage

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

plural of “call” — a telephone connection

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

a small house with a single story

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

having a hardened crust as a covering

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

unrestrained by convention or morality

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading THE EDUCATION OF MARY GRIMM.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “expression” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

plural of “fad” — an interest followed with exaggerated zeal

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

marked by refinement in taste and manners

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

the younger of the two Grimm brothers remembered best for their fairy stories (1786-1859)

From this reading THE EDUCATION OF MARY GRIMM.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

and nothing more

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading THE EDUCATION OF MARY GRIMM.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the force of workers available

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

disregarded

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE EDUCATION OF MARY GRIMM.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

intended to attract notice and impress others

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

plural of “pea” — seed of a pea plant used for food

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

by chance

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

assume a prim appearance

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

of or relating to Puritans or Puritanism

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

manifest or bring back

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

plural of “residence” — any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

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

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

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

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a district of a city marked by poverty and inferior living conditions

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

make square

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

confined on all sides

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading THE EDUCATION OF MARY GRIMM.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For houses, like men, have their expressions which reflect the characters of their inmates.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

precisely as stated

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

kept in good condition

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

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

From this reading Now the houses of this Brixton Street were of the respectable-genteel class of houses, not over-wealthy, but very respectable; possibly come down in the world some of them, but all essentially genteel.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

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

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

plural of “whim” — a sudden desire

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

which person or people

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading There is the prim Puritanical house; the dissipated villa with its neglected gate; the ostentatious _nouveau riche_ mansion, turning up its nose at its neighbours; the well-kept pretty cottage, looking contented with itself and all the world, containing as it does the newly-married couple; the cynical abode of crusty old bachelorhood surrounded by whims and fads; and so on, each from palace to slum with a face the meaning of which he who knows how may read.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading A street in Brixton--one of those dreary streets of what the house-agent calls eligible eight-roomed residences, in which all the houses are as like each other as so many peas out of one pod: each two-storied; each looking out on the street through six windows; each with its little flight of stone steps leading up to the front door; each with its garden just six yards square; each with its severe respectability of expression.