Chapter III · Chapter 3

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

a feeling of delighted approval and liking

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

later than; following

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

anew

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

at full speed; with great haste

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

clothing in general

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

(of hair) colored a moderate reddish-brown

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

plural of “bower” — a framework that supports climbing plants

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

the act of burning something

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

plural of “cure” — a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

plural of “dame” — informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

dearly loved

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

grow worse

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

a petty disparagement

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

an old word for “before”

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

the organ of sight

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

past form of “flay” — strip the skin off

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

an artisan who makes jewelry and other objects out of gold

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a restaurant where food is cooked on a grill

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

plural of “groan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

not in action or at work

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

the quality of innocent naivete

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

inflected form of “kneel” — rest one's weight on one's knees

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

a German art song of the 19th century for voice and piano

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

superlative of “lively” — full of life and energy

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

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 How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a fervent and even militant proponent of something

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

(used of sexual behavior) showing or appealing to bizarre or deviant tastes

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

participate in games or sport

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

past form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

declare formally; declare someone to be something; of titles

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

plural of “reputation” — the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

the state of being retired from one's business or occupation

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

third-person singular of “retire” — go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

American financier and American Revolutionary War patriot who helped fund the army during the American Revolution (1740?-1785)

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

cover as if with a shroud

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

not in physical motion

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

annoy persistently

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

an old word for “yours”

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading And the crowd below would exclaim amain: "He's ready to fall for his country again!"

create by training and teaching

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

something given or done as an expression of esteem

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

get undressed

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

accept gladly

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

in or at the place that

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

belonging to which person

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

in the company of; together with

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading Unblest retirement! ere my life's decline (Killed by detraction) may I witness thine.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading How often have I paused on every charm With mingled admiration and alarm-- The brook that runs by many a scandal-mill, The church whose pastor groans upon the grill, The cowthorn bush with seats beneath the shade, Where hearts are struck and reputations flayed; How often wished thine idle wives, some day, Might more at whist, less at the devil, play.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading AN UNDRESS UNIFORM The apparel does _not_ proclaim the man-- Polonius lied like a partisan, And Salomon still would a hero seem If (Heaven dispel the impossible dream!) He stood in a shroud on the hangman's trap, His eye burning holes in the black, black cap.

people who are wounded

From this reading THE PERVERTED VILLAGE AFTER GOLDSMITH Sweet Auburn! liveliest village of the plain, Where Health and Slander welcome every train, Whence smiling innocence, its tribute paid, Retires in terror, wounded and dismayed-- Dear lovely bowers of gossip and disease, Whose climate cures us that thy dames may tease, How often have I knelt upon thy green And prayed for death, to mitigate their spleen!