used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
(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 OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
blitheadjectiveUS /blaɪð/
lacking or showing a lack of due concern
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
boot-heels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
rid of obstructions
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
unvarying in nature
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
dashverbUS /dæʃ/
run or move very quickly or hastily
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
doubletnoun
a man's close-fitting jacket; worn during the Renaissance
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
elbowsnounUS /ˈelboʊz/
plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
faireradjectiveUS /ˈferər/
comparative of “fair” — free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
painsnounUS /peɪnz/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
persistencenounUS /pərˈsɪstəns/
the property of a continuous and connected period of time
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
riding-coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
rivulets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
splashedadjectiveUS /splæʃt/
(of a fluid) having been propelled about in flying drops or masses
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
strodeverbUS /stroʊd/
inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
taproomnoun
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
in or at that place or location
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
toastverbUS /toʊst/
make brown and crisp by heating
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading From my hat, from the elbows of my riding-coat, and from my boot-heels constant rivulets ran; but I took pains to keep the pistols under my doublet dry as toast.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In truth they were making the best of their circumstances.
in or at the place that
From this reading At the courtyard of the inn I flung myself from my horse and strode to the taproom where my companions awaited me.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
in the company of; together with
From this reading OF LOVE AND WAR All day the rain had splashed down with an unusual persistence, but now there was a rising wind and a dash of clear sky over to the south which promised fairer weather.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I was blithe to see it, for we had our night's work cut out for us and a driving storm would not add to our comfort.
