used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
annualadjectiveUS /ˈænjuːəl/
completing its life cycle within a year
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
BeaconnounUS /ˈbiːkən/
a fire (usually on a hill or tower) that can be seen from a distance
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
carriagesnounUS /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/
plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
cartsnounUS /kɑːrts/
plural of “cart” — a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
centre-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
cocoanut-shies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
countrysidenounUS /ˈkʌntrisaɪd/
rural regions
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
DownsnounUS /daʊnz/
plural of “down” — soft fine feathers
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
elmsnounUS /elmz/
plural of “elm” — any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
farmersnounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
flockedverbUS /flɑːkt/
past form of “flock” — move as a crowd or in a group
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
fraternitynounUS /frəˈtɜːrnəti/
a social club for male undergraduates
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
gentrynounUS /ˈdʒentri/
the most powerful members of a society
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
gypsiesnounUS /ˈdʒɪpsiz/
plural of “gypsy” — a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
and nothing more
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
MatnounUS /mæt/
a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
merry-go-rounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
PaddocknounUS /ˈpædək/
pen where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
Polefax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
reg'lar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mat described it always as reg'lar old-fashioned.
ropedverbUS /roʊpt/
past form of “rope” — catch with a lasso
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
ropesnounUS /roʊps/
plural of “rope” — a strong line
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
in a serious manner
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
be standing; be upright
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
SussexnounUS /ˈsʌsɪks/
a county in southern England on the English Channel; formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that was captured by Wessex in the 9th century
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
precisely as stated
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
wagonsnounUS /ˈwæɡənz/
plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
wains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Grand Stand was formed of Sussex wains drawn up end to end; and the Paddock was just roped off.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Polefax Meeting was small and friendly; never taken very seriously by the fraternity, and left almost entirely to local talent.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Outside the ropes, at the foot of the huge green wave of the Downs, were the merry-go-rounds, the cocoanut-shies and wagons of the gypsies; while under a group of elms the carts and carriages of the local farmers and gentry were drawn up.
which person or people
From this reading The countryside made of it an annual holiday and flocked to the fields under Polefax Beacon to see the horses and to enjoy Old Mat, who was the accepted centre-piece.
