having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox.
primitive in customs and culture
That would be barbarous.
a wall hanging of heavy fabric with pictorial designs
He flattened himself down on the limb and, through a screen of leaves almost as thick as tapestry, he watched.
characterized by intense emotion
He was a very rich man with a quarter of a million acres in the Crimea, and he was an ardent sportsman.
surpassing the ordinary or normal
The general could follow a trail through the woods at night; he could follow an extremely difficult trail; he must have uncanny powers; only by the merest chance had the Cossack failed to see his quarry.
using or skilled in using reasoning
Now, mine is an analytical mind, Mr. Rainsford.
full of anxiety and concern
He was solicitous about the state of Rainsford's health.
relating to a system where vassals are protected by lords
There was a medieval magnificence about it; it suggested a baronial hall of feudal times with its oaken panels, its high ceiling, its vast refectory tables where twoscore men could sit down to eat.
show submission or fear
Then he cowered back.
confusion resulting from failure to understand
Rainsford's bewilderment showed in his face.
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
Even so zealous a hunter as General Zaroff could not trace him there, he told himself; only the devil himself could follow that complicated trail through the jungle after dark.
a communal dining-hall, usually in a monastery
There was a medieval magnificence about it; it suggested a baronial hall of feudal times with its oaken panels, its high ceiling, its vast refectory tables where twoscore men could sit down to eat.
producing no result or effect
He saw that straight flight was futile; inevitably it would bring him face to face with the sea.
escape, either physically or mentally
If my quarry eludes me for three whole days, he wins the game
developed by human care and for human use
In a cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave it added precision and deliberateness, he said, "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home."
formality and propriety of manner
I think I may say, in all modesty, that I have done a rare thing.
expressing contempt or ridicule
He stood there, rubbing his injured shoulder, and Rainsford, with fear again gripping his heart, heard the general's mocking laugh ring through the jungle.
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
This is a grisly joke.
threatening evil or danger
The menacing look in the eyes did not change.
a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship
Ah, well, doubtless you had Puritan ancestors.
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
Once he thought he heard stealthy steps in the corridor outside his room.