used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
at or in the front
From this reading He resolved, however, to go ahead without knowing.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
CLUEnounUS /kluː/
a slight indication
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
determineverbUS /dəˈtɜːrmən/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
DIARYnounUS /ˈdaɪəri/
a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
the act of discovering something
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
DouglasnounUS /ˈdʌɡləs/
United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
far-fetchedadjective
(of an idea or story) so exaggerated or ludicrous as to be improbable
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
promote over another
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
set up or found
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
GENUINEadjectiveUS /ˈdʒenjəwən/
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
the act of departing
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading He resolved, however, to go ahead without knowing.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
a single distinct event
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading He resolved, however, to go ahead without knowing.
hear with intention
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
logicaladjectiveUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
engage in
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
MARVELOUSadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
a form of address for a man
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
OVERprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
prepossessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
RAILROADnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊd/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
determined
From this reading He resolved, however, to go ahead without knowing.
express in words
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
successive (without a break)
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
SUGGESTIVEadjectiveUS /səˈdʒestɪv/
tending to suggest or imply
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
testnounUS /test/
trying something to find out about it
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His idea may have been "far-fetched," as they say, but he believed he was building on a good logical basis; at any rate he was sufficiently prepossessed in favor of his theory to determine to make a fair test, and little did he dream how straight to the mark he was going.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Our readers may think it strange that the detective should go out of his way to listen to an old man's tales of a railroad, but Jack had become possessed of an idea.
accept gladly
From this reading On the day following, at the time named, Jack appeared at the old man's house, and found Mr. Douglas glad to welcome him.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He resolved, however, to go ahead without knowing.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading A MOST WONDERFUL "SHADOW"--GOING OVER A RAILROAD DIARY--AN INCIDENT THAT WAS SUGGESTIVE--A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY--THE OLD TRUNK--ON THE TRACK OF A GENUINE CLUE.
