used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
adventuressnoun
a woman adventurer
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
BoulevardsnounUS /ˈbʊləvɑːrdz/
plural of “boulevard” — a wide street or thoroughfare
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
Café
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
Clara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clara.
cunningadjectiveUS /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
darkeradjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkər/
comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
earnedadjectiveUS /ɜːrnd/
gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
divisible by two
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
at any time
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
yet to be or coming
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
gamblingnounUS /ˈɡæmbəlɪŋ/
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
Hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
LaughsnounUS /læfs/
plural of “laugh” — the sound of laughing
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
engage in
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
and nothing more
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
an educational institution
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
shamelessnessnoun
behavior marked by a bold defiance of the proprieties and lack of shame
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
sharpers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
not in physical motion
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
express a supposition
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
thievesnounUS /θiːvz/
plural of “thief” — a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
veinsnounUS /veɪnz/
plural of “vein” — a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading (_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading (_Laughing._) What do you know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
which person or people
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
belonging to which person
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
in the company of; together with
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading (_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen?
