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The Golden Web
The Golden Web

Chapter I

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Golden Web

Chapter I

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
Line 2
The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
Line 3
His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
Line 4
He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
Line 5
His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.”

LIFE noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.”

Thing noun US /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.”

Waiting noun US /ˈwaiting/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.”

All words in this reading · 89

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

almost

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

bore

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

breathing

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

caller

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

collar

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

complexion

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

contrast

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

countenance

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

deep-set

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

doubtful

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

eyes

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

face

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

fingers

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

ghastliness

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

hair

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

hand

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

hat

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

healthy

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

held

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

ill-brushed

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

irregular

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

just

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

LIFEnounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

lips

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

many

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

men

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

moment

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

more

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

nervous

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

other's

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

pale

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

parted

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

personal

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

position

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

positions

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

recklessness

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

reduced

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

regard

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

relative

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

SALE

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

scarcely

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

shabby

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

significant

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

suggestion

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

summoned

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

sunken

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

suppliant

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

table

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

there

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

From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

traces

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

trembled

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

twitched

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

two

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

waiting

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

From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.

waiting-room

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

wild

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

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.