Chapter XIII

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

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

not being in a specified place

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

a minor parish official who serves a ceremonial function

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

see with attention

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

-ing form of “chart” — make a chart of

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a young person of either sex

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

box in which a corpse is buried or cremated

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a booth where a priest sits to hear confessions

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

past form of “deign” — do something that one considers to be below one's dignity

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

not pleased; experiencing or manifesting displeasure

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

having the place or position changed

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

plural of “france” — a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

depressingly dark

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

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

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

having or involving the use of hands

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

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

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

excessively mournful

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

and nothing more

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

in a miserable manner

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a particular point in time

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

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

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

indistinct enunciation

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

and nothing more

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

an officer of the church who is in charge of sacred objects

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

convulsive gasp made while weeping

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

past form of “sprinkle” — distribute loosely

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

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

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

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

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

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

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

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

From this reading Frances stopped a moment beneath the porch, to behold a lugubrious spectacle.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

precisely as stated

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading At length, a few drops of holy water being sprinkled on the coffin, the priest handed the brush to the beadle, and retired.

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

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

during the time that

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading THE CONFESSIONAL Nothing could be more gloomy than the appearance of St. Merely Church, on this dark and snowy winter's day.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

the words that are spoken

From this reading While a priest was mumbling some words in a low voice, two or three dirty choristers, in soiled surplices, were charting the prayers for the dead, with an absent and sullen air, round a plain deal coffin, followed only by a sobbing old man and a child, miserably clad.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.

gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something

From this reading The beadle and the sacristan, very much displeased at being disturbed for so wretched a funeral, had not deigned to put on their liveries, but, yawning with impatience, waited for the end of the ceremony, so useless to the interests of the establishment.