Chapter I

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

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

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

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

very strong; urgently felt

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

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

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

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

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

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

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

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

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

written (by handwriting, printing, engraving, or carving) on or in a surface

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

set down according to a plan

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

with fondness; with love

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

characterized by method and orderliness

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

in motion

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

not any; not one

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

treated with oil

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading His quiet, orderly actions gave no indication of the rage consuming him.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

a small fragment of something broken off from the whole

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

make tight; secure against leakage

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

catch sight of

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

emotionally aroused

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

the upper part of anything

From this reading On its highly polished top he laid down a soiled scrap of paper.

showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

belonging to which person

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed peg before moving deliberately over to his bureau.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading THE bedroom door opened and closed on its oiled hinges without a sound, and a man walked over to the closet.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading AUTHOR OF _“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,” “The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc._ TO MY MOTHER WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.