used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
how long something has existed
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
eagerly desirous
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
bedsidenounUS /ˈbedsaɪd/
space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person)
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
bespeakverbUS /bɪˈspiːk/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
bright-burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
carpetsnounUS /ˈkɑːrpəts/
plural of “carpet” — floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
put or send forth
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
coverletnoun
a decorative bedspread (usually quilted)
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
curtaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
damasknounUS /ˈdæməsk/
a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
eider-down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
four-posted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
genialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒiːnjəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
hangingsnounUS /ˈhæŋɡɪŋz/
plural of “hanging” — decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/
past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
immediately past
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
mantelnounUS /ˈmæntəl/
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
paintingsnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋz/
plural of “painting” — graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
prie-dieunoun
low bench for kneeling on
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
recordedadjectiveUS /rəˈkɔːrdɪd/
set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
refinementnounUS /rəˈfaɪnmənt/
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
possessing material wealth
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
except for; apart from
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
silkenadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlkən/
having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
dependable
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
tenderer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
tickingnounUS /ˈtɪkɪŋ/
a metallic tapping sound
From this reading There was no sound in the room save the ticking of the massive marble clock upon the mantel, and the regular breathing of the patient.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The anxious glances she cast upon the figure stretched upon the bed seemed to bespeak a greater, a tenderer concern than that of the ordinary professional nurse.
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 eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
well-furnished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The woman by the bedside, on whom fell the genial rays of a bright-burning fire, was plainly but neatly dressed.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading The eider-down coverlet of the bed, its damask hangings, the prie-dieu by its side, the rich covering of the walls, the silken curtaining of the windows, the full pile of the carpets, the costly paintings on the walls indicated the abode of wealth and refinement.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading SOME ten days or so after the events recorded in the last chapter, a stout woman past the middle age sat by a large four-posted bed in a spacious and well-furnished bedroom.
