Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

(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 Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used of a single unit or thing; not two or more

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

react verbally

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

replying

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

past form of “arrest” — take into custody

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

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

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

plural of “domestic” — a servant who is paid to perform menial tasks around the household

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

a half of an hour

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

an old word meaning “to this place”

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

possessive form of “honour” — the state of being honored

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

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

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

a terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the 1980s to provide money and recruit fighters around the world

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

engage in

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

used to form the superlative

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

not any; not one

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

third-person singular of “occupy” — keep busy with

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

by chance

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

cut a female screw thread with a tap

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

possessive form of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

intensity or forcefulness of expression

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

precisely as stated

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

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

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

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

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Instead of answering this question, the terrified domestics were now endeavouring to make off in all directions; but the querist's curiosity, or perhaps suspicion, having been excited by what he had seen, he instantly arrested their progress, by calling on them, in a voice of increased severity and vehemence, to stop.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

which person or people

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading And, without waiting for an answer, "Who occupies this apartment?" he inquired, pointing to that in which was Chatelard.

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading "And please ye, my lord," replied Johnstone, bowing with the most profound respect--"ane that we think's no very wise.

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

From this reading He's been bletherin awa there to himsel, saving yer honour's presence, like a bubbly-jock, for this half-hour back, and we can neither mak tap, tail, nor mane o' what he's sayin."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Come hither, Johnstone," he exclaimed, addressing one of the fugitives--"I must know what you have been all about."