Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

later than; following

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

a cheerful and agreeable mood

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

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

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

of short duration or distance

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

a written order directing a bank to pay money

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

in a manner tending to attract attention

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

having a hardened crust as a covering

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

drawn off in the form of vapor

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

extremely

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

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

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

set up or found

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

possessive form of “godfather” — any man who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

the act of departing

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

ten 10s

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

an indirect suggestion

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

easily irritated or annoyed

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

conformity or harmony

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

inadequate in amount or degree

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

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

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

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

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

term of address for a man

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

make square

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

in a stubborn unregenerate manner

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

past form of “suffice” — be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading The old man was extraordinarily irritable, both towards her and towards Tony.

in the direction of

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

interact in a certain way

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

the personal outfit of a bride; clothes and accessories and linens

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading But, apart from the bestowal of this signal mark of favour, Ann found her godfather's behaviour extremely difficult to understand.

under normal conditions

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

in a hearty manner

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

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

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

accept gladly

From this reading It was usually his custom to treat her with a species of crusty amiability, but, on this occasion, after the first warmth of his welcome had evaporated, she found that the crustiness became much more in evidence and the amiability conspicuously lacking.

past form of “welcome” — accept gladly

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

at the time that

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."

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

From this reading It was as though he were labouring under a secret strain--prey to some anxiety which he was stubbornly bent on keeping to himself.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE KEEPING OF A PROMISE Her first two or three days at the tall grey house in Audley Square sufficed to indicate to Ann that all was not going well there, Sir Philip had welcomed her warmly enough, and when she descended to breakfast on the morning after her arrival she found an envelope on her plate containing his cheque for two hundred pounds, together with a brief intimation that it was intended to "help towards the trousseau."