used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
Chattaway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
coughingnounUS /ˈkɑːfɪŋ/
a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages; a common symptom of upper respiratory infection or bronchitis or pneumonia or tuberculosis
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
Cris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
deshabillenoun
the state of being carelessly or partially dressed
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
DiananounUS /daɪˈænə/
English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
put on clothes
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
dressingnounUS /ˈdresɪŋ/
savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
apart from; not including
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
exciteverbUS /ɪkˈsaɪt/
arouse or elicit a feeling
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
hall-door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
set afire or burning
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Now then," said she.
OctavenounUS /ˈɑːktɪv/
a feast day and the seven days following it
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
and nothing more
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
pressingnounUS /ˈpresɪŋ/
the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
RupertnounUS /ˈruːpərt/
English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
Ryle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Now then," said she.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
having a supporting base
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading "Now then," said she.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no light, except such as was afforded by a candle carried by Miss Trevlyn; but she stepped forward and lighted the lamp.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
Trevlyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
waistcoatnoun
a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN OLD IMPRESSION It was surely a scene to excite some interest, if only the interest of curiosity, that was presented at Trevlyn Hold that night.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Octave Chattaway in evening dress--for she had not begun to prepare for bed, although some time in her chamber--standing at the hall-door which she had opened; Miss Diana pressing forward from the back of the hall in a hastily assumed dressing gown; Mr. Chattaway in a waistcoat; Cris in greater deshabille; and Mrs. Chattaway dressed as was Octave.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Rupert came in, coughing with the night air, and leaning on the arm of George Ryle.
