Acton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
equally
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
batnounUS /bæt/
nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
BIFFEN'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
BournenounUS /bɔːrn/
an archaic term for a boundary
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
the act of burning something
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
cockverbUS /kɑːk/
tilt or slant to one side
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
CorkernounUS /ˈkɔːrkər/
(dated slang) a remarkable or excellent thing or person
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
cricketnounUS /ˈkrɪkət/
leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
dark-skinnedadjective
naturally having skin of a dark color
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
dervishes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
footernounUS /ˈfʊtər/
(used only in combinations) the height or length of something in feet
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
gymnasticadjectiveUS /dʒɪmˈnæstɪk/
vigorously active
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
Lord'snounUS /lɔːrdz/
possessive form of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
Mehtah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
the force of workers available
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
not any; not one
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
on one occasion
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
patronagenounUS /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
RamverbUS /ræm/
strike or drive against with a heavy impact
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
To recall to mind.
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
Runjit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
an educational institution
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
Singh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/
restricted to something
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
superlativenounUS /sʊˈpɜːrlətɪv/
an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
in or at that place or location
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Biffen's house did not stand much chance, for there was no superlative Acton at cricket; but it was, indeed, mainly through his efforts that Biffen's was as good as it was.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
unquestionablyadverbUS /ənˈkwestʃənəbli/
without question
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
precisely as stated
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
at the time that
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
which person or people
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading WHY BIFFEN'S LOST After the Lord's match there were two burning subjects of conversation: Who should be captain in my place? and which house should be the cock house at cricket?
in the company of; together with
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading They were unquestionably the best pair of fellows in the school in strictly gymnastic work; and when summer came they showed that they would, sooner or later, do something startling with the bat.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Every house captain looked with dread upon the house of Corker, great alike at cricket and footer, and it was agreed that very probably Phil Bourne would once more lead his men on to victory.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You may remember that Acton had taken under his patronage those dark-skinned dervishes, Singh Ram and Runjit Mehtah.
