used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
acquiescedverbUS /ˌækwiˈest/
past form of “acquiesce” — to agree or express agreement
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
courtsnounUS /kɔːrts/
plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
discouragingadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒɪŋ/
depriving of confidence or hope or enthusiasm and hence often deterring action
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
EarlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
Eleanor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
divisible by two
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
flaggingnounUS /ˈflæɡɪŋ/
flagstones collectively
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
moving swiftly
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
and nothing more
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
Lawrences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
manornounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
a particular point in time
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
NannounUS /næn/
your grandmother
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
Nan'snounUS /nænz/
possessive form of “nan” — your grandmother
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
racketsnounUS /ˈrækəts/
plural of “racket” — a loud and disturbing noise
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
summerhousenoun
a small roofed building affording shade and rest
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
sun'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
express in words
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
tennisnounUS /ˈtenəs/
a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Early that same afternoon Eleanor and Nan dropped in at the manor and suggested a game of tennis.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Jean stopped behind for a moment to find the children and tell them to follow her, for nurse had begged a holiday and had gone off for the afternoon.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
unshadedadjective
(of pictures) not having shadow represented
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading The Lawrences acquiesced, and after a search for balls and rackets they wandered down to the courts.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A FLYING MACHINE AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sun's hot rays beat down upon the unshaded courts, discouraging even Nan's enthusiasm; so, after one set played with flagging energy, they threw down their rackets and retired to a pretty little summerhouse, just at the foot of the terrace.
