Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

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

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

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

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

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

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

only a very short time before

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

past form of “belie” — be in contradiction with

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

pleasing or delighting

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

in a doubtful manner

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

one or the other of two

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

(Greek mythology) Greek god of darkness who dwelt in the underworld; son of Chaos; brother of Nox; father of Aether and Day

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

opinion or judgment

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

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

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

at or to or toward the front

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

a young female

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

in a willing manner

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

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

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

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

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

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

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

stylishness as evidenced by a smart appearance

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

immediately past

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

engage in

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

attach a tag or label to

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

widely known and esteemed

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

the line that appears to bound an object

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

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

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

plural of “palisade” — fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

on the contrary

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

only a very short time before

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

protected from heat and light with shade or shadow

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

the act of closing something

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

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

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

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

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

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

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

the upper part of anything

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

arousing affect

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

in the direction of

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

an indication that something has been present

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

the act of gambling

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

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

From this reading He was almost upon the girl before he perceived either of us; and then his earliest words surprised me into silence.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The door closed behind him, shutting off the last vestige of light; and we, with our eyes accustomed to the gloom, could mark his dim outline as he advanced toward us.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

in the company of; together with

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

the words that are spoken

From this reading His actions belied his words, for he moved with all his accustomed jauntiness along the uncertain foot-way, barely touching the top of the palisades with one hand to guide his progress.

but in spite of that

From this reading A WAGER OF FOOLS "It looks a narrow walk, my friend," he said rather doubtfully, peering forward with shaded eyes, "and 'tis dark as Erebus; yet gladly will I make the venture for hope of the reward."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Ah, Toinette!" he cried eagerly, "I fear I must have kept you waiting overlong; yet I was with Mrs. Helm,--a most fair and charming bride,--and scarce noted the rapid passage of time."