used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
move towards
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
archesnounUS /ˈɑːrtʃəz/
plural of “arch” — a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
assailantsnounUS /əˈseɪlənts/
plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
barkingverbUS /ˈbɑːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
beetlesnounUS /ˈbiːtəlz/
plural of “beetle” — insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
blossomingnounUS /ˈblɑːsəmɪŋ/
the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
brutenounUS /bruːt/
a cruelly rapacious person
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
chargingverbUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “charge” — to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
clothing in general
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
cursedadjectiveUS /kɜːrst/
deserving a curse; sometimes used as an intensifier
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
domainnounUS /doʊˈmeɪn/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/
come together
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
farmhousenounUS /ˈfɑːrmhaʊs/
house for a farmer and family
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
friend'snounUS /frendz/
possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
guardiannounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiən/
a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
Habet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Habet!”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
honeynounUS /ˈhʌni/
a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
hummingnounUS /ˈhʌmɪŋ/
a humming noise
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
Lamourie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
malignadjectiveUS /məˈlaɪn/
evil or harmful in nature or influence
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
mothsnounUS /mɔːθs/
plural of “moth” — typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
objectingverbUS /əbˈdʒektɪŋ/
-ing form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
orchardnounUS /ˈɔːrtʃərd/
garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
the act of using
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
vexedadjectiveUS /vekst/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
wherewith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I cursed my folly in not carrying a stick wherewith to beat off such commonplace assailants.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I came upon the De Lamourie farmhouse by the rear of the orchard; and down through the low, blossoming arches, now humming with night moths and honey beetles, I hastened toward the front door.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Before I reached it there arose an angry barking from the yard, and a huge black dog, objecting to the manner of my approach, came charging upon me with appearance of malign intent.
but in spite of that
From this reading I was vexed at the notion of a possible encounter, for I would not use my sword or my pistols on the guardian of my friend’s domain; yet I had small desire that the brute should tear my clothes.
