Chapter XXII

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

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

past form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

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

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

curved down like an eagle's beak

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

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

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

plural of “bite” — a wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

a nation in northern North America; the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

fitting closely but comfortably

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

clothing in general

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

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

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

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

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

plural of “coming” — the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

showing lack of emotional involvement

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

possessive form of “dominion” — dominance or power through legal authority

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

increase twofold

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

a hat made of felt with a creased crown

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

involving financial matters

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

plural of “going” — the act of departing

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

highest in quality

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

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

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

occurring every hour or payable by the hour

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

of great significance or value

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

and nothing more

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

past form of “lacquer” — coat with lacquer

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

relating to or characteristic of a metropolis

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

a city in southern Quebec province on the Saint Lawrence River; the largest city in Quebec and 2nd largest in Canada; the 2nd largest French-speaking city in the world

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

not any; not one

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

plural of “occurrence” — an event that happens

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

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

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

not often

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

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

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

move an implement through

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Tall and of superb build, his close-fitting dark clothes and light fedora accentuated the pallor of his coldly-chiselled aquiline features and the blackness of his extraordinary eyes.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He seemed like a being detached from his fellows; like them but not of them, indifferent, masterful.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

unaccustomed or unusual

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

someone who visits

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

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

From this reading A VIPER BITES AT A FILE I There was unwonted stir in the Montreal head offices of the Regal Bank of Canada.

in or at the place that

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.

which person or people

From this reading The man who had just come through the great double doors was no ordinary type.

plural of “worker” — a person who works at a specific occupation

From this reading Rarely in the metropolitan headquarters of the Dominion’s greatest financial institution, where the comings and goings of important personages are almost hourly occurrences, did the entrance of a visitor draw more than a hurried glance from the workers behind the polished mahogany and lacquered brass.