used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
how long something has existed
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
Barksdale's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading "Now don't, I beg of you.
boyhoodnounUS /ˈbɔɪhʊd/
the childhood of a boy
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
busieradjectiveUS /ˈbɪziər/
comparative of “busy” — actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
correspondedverbUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndɪd/
past form of “correspond” — be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
cousin'snounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
possessive form of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
DominionnounUS /dəˈmɪnjən/
dominance or power through legal authority
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Now don't, I beg of you.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
EatsnounUS /iːts/
informal terms for a meal
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
a social unit living together
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
graspedverbUS /ɡræspt/
past form of “grasp” — hold firmly
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
homesteadnounUS /ˈhoʊmsted/
the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
irregularlyadverbUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələrli/
at an uneven rate
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
a form of address for a man
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Now don't, I beg of you.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
Pagebrook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
regularlyadverbUS /ˈreɡjələrli/
in a regular manner
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
Robert'snounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/
possessive form of “robert” — United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
Shirley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
precisely as stated
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
VirginiannounUS /vərˈdʒɪnjən/
a native or resident of Virginia
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
voluntaryadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːlənteri/
of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
(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 The two boys, William and Robert, had corresponded quite regularly in boyhood and quite irregularly after they grew up, and so they knew each other pretty well, though, as I have said, they had never met.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
at the time that
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
but in spite of that
From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook Eats his Breakfast._ Robert Pagebrook had never seen his cousin, and yet they were not altogether strangers to each other.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I am glad, very glad to see you, William," said Robert as he grasped his cousin's hand.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Robert's father and William Barksdale's mother were brother and sister, and Shirley, the old Virginian homestead, which had been in the family for nearly two centuries, had passed to young Barksdale's mother by the voluntary act of Robert's father when, upon coming of age, he had gone west to try his fortune in a busier world than that of the Old Dominion.
