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The three taps
The three taps

Chapter IX

Chapter 9 of The three taps is here in full — 157 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
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The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.
The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.
Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.
The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.
The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The three taps

Chapter IX

Chapter 9 of The three taps is here in full — 157 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.
Line 2
The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.
Line 3
Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.
Line 4
The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.
Line 5
The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

bachelors noun US /ˈbætʃlərz/

plural of “bachelor” — a man who has never been married

From this reading “The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.”

blurred adjective US /blɜːrd/

indistinct or hazy in outline

From this reading “The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.”

formality noun US /fɔːrˈmæləti/

a requirement of etiquette or custom

From this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

insistent adjective US /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/

repetitive and persistent

From this reading “Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.”

restraint noun US /rɪˈstreɪnt/

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

soccer noun US /ˈsɑːkər/

a football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal

From this reading “The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.”

technical adjective US /ˈteknɪkəl/

of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill

From this reading “The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.”

topic noun US /ˈtɑːpɪk/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading “The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

excellent quality adjective + noun

In this reading “Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.”

next year adjective + noun

In this reading “The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.”

at once preposition + adverb

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

In this reading “The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.”

free from verb + particle

In this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

youngest priest adjective + noun counted as “young priest”

In this reading “The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.”

in reality preposition + noun

used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly

In this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

never forgotten adverb + adjective

In this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

any sense adjective + noun

In this reading “The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.”

All words in this reading · 122

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

afterwardadverbUS /ˈæftərwərd/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(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 The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

analysing

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

Angela

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

attentionsnounUS /əˈtenʃənz/

plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

bachelorsnounUS /ˈbætʃlərz/

plural of “bachelor” — a man who has never been married

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

behaviournounUS /bɪˈheɪvjər/

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

belongedverbUS /bɪˈlɔːŋd/

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

BishopnounUS /ˈbɪʃəp/

a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

blurredadjectiveUS /blɜːrd/

indistinct or hazy in outline

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

Bredon

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

clamorousadjective

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/

past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

consciousadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnʃəs/

intentionally conceived

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

constantadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnstənt/

unvarying in nature

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

detailnounUS /dɪˈteɪl/

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

dinner-table

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

distinctlyadverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋktli/

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

excellentadjectiveUS /ˈeksələnt/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/

plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

feelverbUS /fiːl/

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

fellownounUS /ˈfeloʊ/

a boy or man

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

fivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

formalitynounUS /fɔːrˈmæləti/

a requirement of etiquette or custom

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

freeverbUS /friː/

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

guestnounUS /ɡest/

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

Hipley

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

honournounUS /ˈɑːnər/

the state of being honored

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

householdnounUS /ˈhaʊshoʊld/

a social unit living together

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

impressionnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃən/

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

informedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrmd/

having much knowledge or education

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

insistentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/

repetitive and persistent

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

LateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

learnedadjectiveUS /lɜːrnd/

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

leftnounUS /left/

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 The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

mealnounUS /miːl/

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

meanverbUS /miːn/

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

mistakenounUS /mɪˈsteɪk/

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

post-office

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

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

priestnounUS /priːst/

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

priestsnounUS /priːsts/

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

provedadjectiveUS /pruːvd/

established beyond doubt

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

qualitynounUS /ˈkwɑːləti/

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

realitynounUS /ˌriːˈælətiː/

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

RectornounUS /ˈrektər/

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

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

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

setting-out

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

shewed

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

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

soccernounUS /ˈsɑːkər/

a football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

teamnounUS /tiːm/

a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

technicaladjectiveUS /ˈteknɪkəl/

of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The Late Rector of Hipley The dinner-table left a blurred impression on Bredon, for all his habit of observing his fellow men and analysing his feelings about them.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The room seemed to be full of priests—there were five, perhaps, in reality, besides the Bishop—and every detail of their behaviour proved that they were free from any sense of formality or restraint; yet constant little attentions shewed the guest that he was never forgotten.

thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet the meal itself and the cooking of it were of excellent quality; and it was thrown at you with a clamorous, insistent hospitality that made you feel like a guest of honour.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The setting-out of the meal had faults that Angela would have condemned, and would have put right in no time; you were conscious at once that the household belonged to bachelors.

youngestadjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡəst/

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

From this reading The topic of conversation which Bredon (who in the mean time had informed the Bishop of the post-office mistake) could recall most distinctly afterward was a learned and almost technical discussion between the Bishop and the youngest priest present on the prospects of the local soccer team for next year.

Chapter 9 of The three taps by Ronald Arbuthnott Knox holds 157 sentences, grouped into 32 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 9 of The three taps contain?

Chapter 9 holds 157 sentences of The three taps, unabridged, divided into 32 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of The three taps by Ronald Arbuthnott Knox exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 157 sentences, grouped into 32 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 9 of The three taps?

Work through the 32 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 32 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 9 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The three taps

Common questions about reading The three taps by Ronald Arbuthnott Knox on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The three taps?

Yes. All 4357 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #73198 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The three taps is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #73198, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The three taps take to read?

About 363 minutes of reading across 872 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The three taps section by section

How to work through The three taps section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of The three taps to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The three taps

Words and structures a reader meets early in The three taps, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Detective
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The three taps; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Story
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The three taps; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Without
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The three taps; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Moral
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The three taps; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.