used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
Benedick-to-be
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
betimesadverb
in good time
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
a youthful male person
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
terminate
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His words were congratulatory, but his intent was sympathetic.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
capacitynounUS /kəˈpæsəti/
capability to perform or produce
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
caravannounUS /ˈkærəvæn/
a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
congratulatoryadjectiveUS /kənˈɡrætʃələtɔːri/
expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune
From this reading His words were congratulatory, but his intent was sympathetic.
considerateadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərət/
showing concern for the rights and feelings of others
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/
plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
made known or openly avowed
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
explodedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsploʊdəd/
showing the parts of something separated but in positions that show their correct relation to one another
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
Eycknoun
Flemish painter who was a founder of the Flemish school of painting and who pioneered modern techniques of oil painting (1390-1441)
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
flatteredverbUS /ˈflætərd/
past form of “flatter” — praise somewhat dishonestly
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
Forbes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
destroyed or killed
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
good-nights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading His words were congratulatory, but his intent was sympathetic.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
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 There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
information about recent and important events
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
immediately following in time or order
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
night-cap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
Persis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
phrasedverbUS /freɪzd/
past form of “phrase” — put into words or an expression
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
on the contrary
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
in the near future
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
sympatheticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
From this reading His words were congratulatory, but his intent was sympathetic.
tactnounUS /tækt/
consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
tactfuladjectiveUS /ˈtæktfəl/
having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
a message informing of danger
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So Willie phrased it, and flattered himself that it was rather considerate and tactful to put it so.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
at the time that
From this reading When good-nights were said, and Forbes had gone to his room, Ten Eyck came in to smoke a night-cap cigar.
Willie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
the words that are spoken
From this reading His words were congratulatory, but his intent was sympathetic.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There were not many more dances before Willie, in his new capacity of Benedick-to-be, declared for early closing hours, and ordered his guests off to bed, warning them that the next morning the caravan would set out on its return betimes in order that Persis might "break the news to her father as soon as he got back."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You looked a bit cut up, old boy," he said, "when Willie, with his usual tact, exploded the news of his marriage.
