used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
(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 They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in a state of sleep
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
boiledadjectiveUS /bɔɪld/
cooked in hot water
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
Buttertongue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
castlesnounUS /ˈkæsəlz/
plural of “castle” — a large and stately mansion
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
condescendingadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
dwarfsnounUS /dwɔːrfs/
plural of “dwarf” — a person who is markedly small
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
Fairfeather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
herbsnounUS /ɜːrbz/
plural of “herb” — a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
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 They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
lightenverbUS /ˈlaɪtən/
make more cheerful
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
meadnounUS /miːd/
United States anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in Polynesian cultures (1901-1978)
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
nobilitynounUS /noʊˈbɪləti/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
PounceverbUS /paʊns/
move down on as if in an attack
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
robbedverbUS /rɑːbd/
inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
ScrubverbUS /skrʌb/
clean with hard rubbing
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
plural of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
spellsnounUS /spelz/
plural of “spell” — a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
SpyverbUS /spaɪ/
catch sight of
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
tastedverbUS /ˈteɪstɪd/
past form of “taste” — have flavor; taste of something
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in or at that place or location
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She had two dwarfs of sons; one was named Spy, and the other Pounce.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
precisely as stated
From this reading Scrub and Fairfeather became very condescending after this speech.
walletnounUS /ˈwɔːlət/
a pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in or to any place at all
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
which person or people
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
whoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wherever their mother went, they were not far behind; and whoever tasted her mead was sure to be robbed by the dwarfs.
willinglyadverbUS /ˈwɪlɪŋli/
in a willing manner
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
wood-witch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old woman was a wood-witch; her name was Buttertongue; and all her time was spent in making mead, which, being boiled with curious herbs and spells, had the power of making all who drank it fall asleep and dream with their eyes open.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading They were now sure that there must be some appearance of nobility about them; besides, they were very hungry, and, having hastily wrapped up the golden leaves, they assured the old woman they were not at all proud, notwithstanding the lands and castles they had left behind them in the North Country, and would willingly help to lighten the wallet.
