Chapter XIV

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

(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 And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

plural of “apple” — fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

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

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

-ing form of “consist” — originate

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

feeling downcast and disheartened and hopeless

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

in disarray; extremely disorderly

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

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

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a long, loose outer garment

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

an artful or simulated semblance

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

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

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

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

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “hearth” — an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

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

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

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

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

remaining in place

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

located inward

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

held dear

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

having an unpleasant smell

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

a pipe that has several lateral outlets to or from other pipes

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

abnormally large

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

attach something somewhere by means of nails

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

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

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

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

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

past form of “scold” — censure severely or angrily

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

something reduced to its minimal form

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

past form of “steep” — devote (oneself) fully to

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

not in physical motion

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

doomed to extinction

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

in a confused mass

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

in or at that place or location

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

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

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

dangerously unstable and unpredictable

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

plural of “trough” — a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

precisely as stated

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

a vivid mental image

From this reading But still his inner vision clung to the door-mat of straw and to the key under it, to Hofmann’s letter, the books and papers on the table, the little cotton frock on a nail, the loaf of bread on the side table.

loud cries made while weeping

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The house, sunk into the treacherous immobility of its nights, appeared to him in the guise of a monstrous skeleton, consisting of countless walls and beds and doors steeped in malodorous darkness.

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

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

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

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

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

From this reading And from all these things there emerged in his consciousness the figure of Ruth, as though it were rising from the elements of which it was made.

which person or people

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading He loved the manifold disconsolateness of these tangled lives; he loved the withered, sooty little flowerpots by the court windows, the yellow apples on the shelves, the scraps of paper in the halls, the very refuse that dishevelled women carried in troughs into the street.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet he loved it--loved the shabby stairs, the weather-beaten walls and posts, the fires in its many hearths that he had seen in passing, the emaciated woman who, in some room, scolded her wailing babe to sleep.