Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

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

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

a place of worship that has its own altar

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

of or relating to clerks

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

plural of “client” — a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

characterized by extreme care and great effort

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

an individualized description of a particular instance

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

in a devout and pious manner

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

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

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

covered or protected with or as if with a case

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

with little or no preparation or forethought

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

plural of “formula” — a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

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

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

through a haze

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

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

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

close in time; about to occur

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

plural of “item” — a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

hear with intention

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

take the midday meal

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

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

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

an unchanging intonation

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

covered with or smelling of mold

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

on one occasion

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

dull knife used to cut open the envelopes in which letters are mailed or to slit uncut pages of books

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

term of address for a man

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading The hour for that meal was approaching,--a fact for which he was devoutly thankful.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

causing difficulty or annoyance

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

hard to endure

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

two times

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

arousing no interest or attention or curiosity or excitement

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

United States freed slave and insurrectionist in South Carolina who was involved in planning an uprising of slaves and was hanged (1767-1822)

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

migratory

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

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

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

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

From this reading He was a conscientious man, but he was getting old, and the disputations of obstinate or foolish clients were becoming troublesome to him.

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

From this reading Moreover, the case concerning which his clerk was prosing along in the style of a chapel demagogue engaged in extemporary prayer, was an extremely uninteresting one, and he thought hazily of his lunch.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Two or three days later, Sir Francis Vesey was sitting in his private office, a musty den encased within the heart of the city, listening, or trying to listen, to the dull clerical monotone of a clerk's dry voice detailing the wearisome items of certain legal formulae preliminary to an impending case.

past form of “yawn” — utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

From this reading Sir Francis had yawned capaciously once or twice, and had played absently with a large ink-stained paperknife,--signs that his mind was wandering somewhat from the point at issue.