Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

in the past

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

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

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

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

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

the framework of a bed

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

cause to be bored

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

first in order of birth

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

apart from; not including

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

opinion or judgment

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

past form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

brought together in one place

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

a social unit living together

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

having inhabitants; lived in

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

any of various plants of the family Malvaceae

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

occurring from time to time

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

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

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

above and across; more than

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

weep convulsively

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist

From this reading Outside the rain fell steadily over the steaming marshes.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

moved around an axis or center

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

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

From this reading "Nothing is to be changed, Tabitha," gasped Ursula to the other sister, who bore a striking likeness to her although her expression was harder and colder; "this room is to be locked up and never opened."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

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

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

which person or people

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading The dingy moth-eaten curtains of the old wooden bedstead were drawn apart, the light of a smoking oil- lamp falling upon the hopeless countenance of the dying woman as she turned her dull eyes upon her sisters.

a late time of life

From this reading Thirty years ago on a wet autumn evening the household of Mallett's Lodge was gathered round the death-bed of Ursula Mallow, the eldest of the three sisters who inhabited it.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The room was in silence except for an occasional sob from the youngest sister, Eunice.