Chapter XX · The Last Encounter

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

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

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

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

ruined by overcooking

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

a young person of either sex

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

at any time

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

extremely well

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

the organ of sight

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

having lost freshness or brilliance of color

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

being the right size and shape to fit as desired

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

in a forcible manner

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

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

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

set afire or burning

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

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

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

not any; not one

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

where the air is unconfined

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

by chance

From this reading On his knee was a bare-legged child, perhaps fourteen months old.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

a covering spread over a dining table

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

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

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

in the direction of

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

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

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

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

From this reading It was in the old parlour, an hour later.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

in or at the place that

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

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

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

(of hair) having lost its color

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The gauze screen which had fitted in front of the fire-place was put away, and a log fire burnt excellently on the whitened hearth; the room was further lighted by the kerosene lamp that stood as of old upon the table; the gun-room door was shut; and a pair of old green curtains, of a different shade from that of the tablecloth, which looked less green and more faded than ever, were drawn across the window.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Here the change from summer to winter struck the eye more forcibly than it ever can out-of-doors in a country where no leaves fall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Teesdale sat in his accustomed corner, with his chair pushed back and pointing neither towards the table nor the fire, but between the two.