Chapter VI

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

(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 And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

the soft brown fur of the beaver

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

(used in the plural) a mechanical device that blows a strong current of air; used to make a fire burn more fiercely or to sound a musical instrument

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

exhale hard

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

an occurrence of something

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

possessive form of “dad” — an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

plural of “dare” — a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a quad with a square body

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

start firing a weapon

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

create by hammering

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

wear away by rubbing

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

strong liquor flavored with juniper berries

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

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

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

having or manifesting hope

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

plural of “inch” — a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

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

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a female domestic

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

(of persons) befitting a warrior

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the force of workers available

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

not any; not one

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of 150 Psalms

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

an aggressive and violent young criminal

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

more quickly

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

any competition

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

a harsh noise made by scraping

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

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

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

in the near future

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

having a supporting base

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

caught or fixed

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

naturally having skin of a dark color

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

severe; punishingly bad

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

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

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading But the true case is this: the punk Had made the bullying scoundrel drunk, Which fill'd the knave so full of ire, His sandy pate seem'd all on fire: Thus, with a face as red as scarlet, Upon the foe she drove the varlet.

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

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

(Roman mythology) god of fire and metal working; counterpart of Greek Hephaestus

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

possessive form of “vulcan” — (Roman mythology) god of fire and metal working; counterpart of Greek Hephaestus

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

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

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Two sons of Dares, hopeful lads, Both fav'rites of their good old dad's, An honest soul that lov'd a full can, And was high-priest to limping Vulcan, The god of those ill-looking fellows That ply the forge, and blow the bellows; A swarthy, sweaty race of men, Call'd blacksmiths now, as well as then.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

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

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

a human being; “wight” is an archaic term

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That he might see the foe to handle, She in his beaver stuck a candle; Which made him cut a dreadful figure, And look at least twelve inches bigger: Against his sandy pate this light Shin'd with a flame so fierce and bright, That by the people it was said The dog-star was not half so red.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading And now this scratching kicking jade, By poets call'd the martial maid, Finding the fray would soon begin, Brought Diomed a dram of gin From her own case of heavenly liquor, Which made his spirits flow much quicker, And swell'd his courage up so high That all his comrades standing by Seem'd each no bigger than a rat, And he a swingeing tabby cat.

the act of creating written works

From this reading In Vulcan's church the good old wight Smok'd a dry pipe from morn to night: But as the boys had got no voice For singing psalms, he gave 'em choice, Whether they'd go to th' wars a-fighting, Or stay at home and mind their writing.