used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
amicableadjectiveUS /ˈæmɪkəbəl/
characterized by friendship and good will
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
aristocracynounUS /ˌerəˈstɑːkrəsi/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
athleticadjectiveUS /æθˈletɪk/
relating to or befitting athletics or athletes
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
give encouragement to
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
coatsnounUS /koʊts/
plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
collectverbUS /kəˈlekt/
get or gather together
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
committeesnounUS /kəˈmɪtiz/
plural of “committee” — a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
cricket-matches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
recognizable; marked
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
give a description of
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
distinguishingverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “distinguish” — mark as different
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
put on clothes
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
hurlverbUS /hɜːrl/
throw forcefully
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
hurlingnounUS /ˈhɜːrlɪŋ/
a traditional Irish game resembling hockey; played by two teams of 15 players each
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
the force of workers available
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
not any; not one
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
parishnounUS /ˈpærɪʃ/
a local church community
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
parishesnounUS /ˈpærɪʃɪz/
plural of “parish” — a local church community
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
playersnounUS /ˈpleɪərz/
plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
prowessnounUS /ˈpraʊəs/
a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
scalenounUS /skeɪl/
an ordered reference standard
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
required or under orders
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
swayedverbUS /sweɪd/
past form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
swayingverbUS /ˈsweɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
testsnounUS /tests/
plural of “test” — trying something to find out about it
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading To hurl in coats of any kind had never in this or any other parish match been thought of.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
uniformadjectiveUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrm/
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
unmarriedadjectiveUS /ənˈmerid/
not married or related to the unmarried state
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
at the time that
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A hurling match in those days was no light matter, particularly when it was on so extensive a scale as that which we are about to describe--between two large parishes.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading In all these great matches, numbers of men, women, and children used to collect to look on, and cheer as the success of the game swayed one way or the other; and as most of the players were unmarried men, it is not to be wondered at if there were many young women amongst the crowd, with their hearts swaying accordingly.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It had been decided by the committees upon the occasion of this great match, that a sort of distinguishing dress--they would not, of course, call it uniform--should be worn by the men.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading They were supposed, and intended to be, amicable tests of the prowess and activity of the young men at a healthy game of recreation, as the cricket-matches of the present day are that of the athletic aristocracy of the land.
