used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
archnounUS /ɑːrtʃ/
a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
barracknounUS /ˈbærək/
a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
barracksnounUS /ˈbærəks/
plural of “barrack” — a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
casemate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
cautionsnounUS /ˈkɔːʃənz/
plural of “caution” — the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
cleaningnounUS /ˈkliːnɪŋ/
the act of making something clean
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in mental comfort; without stress
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
corporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
CRADLEnounUS /ˈkreɪdəl/
a baby bed with sides and rockers
From this reading IN THE MILITARY CRADLE.
deservingadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
(often used ironically) worthy of being treated in a particular way
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
apart from; not including
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
a social unit living together
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
in a free manner
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
heededverbUS /ˈhiːdəd/
past form of “heed” — pay close attention to; give heed to
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE MILITARY CRADLE.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
Jonadab
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
Larkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading IN THE MILITARY CRADLE.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
not any; not one
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
the act of punishing
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
precisely, exactly
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
shoenounUS /ʃuː/
footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
in the near future
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
refrain from harming
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE MILITARY CRADLE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
threatsnounUS /θrets/
plural of “threat” — something that is a source of danger
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
Triggertown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
communicated in words
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was like the old lady who lived in the shoe.
washingnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋ/
the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
which person or people
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had more children than he could do with comfortably, so he gave it up as a bad job, and let them do for themselves.
a late time of life
From this reading To the right, under the arch leading to the casemate barracks at Triggertown, dwelt Jonadab Larkins, a deserving public servant who had enjoyed the proud position of barrack sergeant for some years.
yellnounUS /jel/
a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading Mrs. Larkins, what with cooking, cleaning, and the family washing, had no spare time on her hands; and except to yell out shrill cautions which no one heeded, or threats of corporal punishment which were forgotten as soon as uttered, allowed her brood to risk their lives as freely as they pleased.
