used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
(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 The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a consequence he slept late.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
bankedverbUS /bæŋkt/
past form of “bank” — tip laterally
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
besetverbUS /bɪˈset/
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
bruisedverbUS /bruːzd/
past form of “bruise” — injure the underlying soft tissue or bone of
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
cadencesnounUS /ˈkeɪdənsɪz/
plural of “cadence” — (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading As a consequence he slept late.
the first light of day
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
discomfortnounUS /dɪˈskʌmfərt/
the state of being tense and feeling pain
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
dourest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
dronedverbUS /droʊnd/
past form of “drone” — make a monotonous low dull sound
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
essencenounUS /ˈesəns/
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/
marked by or showing hopelessness
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As a consequence he slept late.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading As a consequence he slept late.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
a female domestic
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
the force of workers available
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
northeastnounUS /ˌnɔːrˈθiːst/
the compass point midway between north and east; at 45 degrees
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
oblivionnounUS /əˈblɪviən/
the state of being disregarded or forgotten
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
over-strained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
restfuladjectiveUS /ˈrestfəl/
affording physical or mental rest
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
scuddingnoun
the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
slate-grayadjective
of the color of slate or granite
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading As a consequence he slept late.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
sorrowsnounUS /ˈsɑːroʊz/
plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
sprucenounUS /spruːs/
light soft moderately strong wood of spruce trees; used especially for timbers and millwork
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
swayingverbUS /ˈsweɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
ThompsonnounUS /ˈtɑːmpsən/
United States classical archaeologist (born in Canada) noted for leading the excavation of the Athenian agora (1906-2000)
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/
of the highest quality
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
wakened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dawn had grown old before he wakened.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
at the time that
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The sky was banked full of slate-gray clouds scudding low before a northeast wind that droned its melancholy song in the swaying spruce tops, a song older than the sorrows of men, the essence of all things forlorn in its minor cadences.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
withheldverbUS /wɪθˈheld/
inflected form of “withhold” — hold back; refuse to hand over or share
From this reading THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN Between the queer mixture of emotions which beset him and the discomfort of his bruised face and over-strained body Thompson turned and twisted, and sleep withheld its restful oblivion until far in the night.
but in spite of that
From this reading When he opened his cabin door he was confronted by the dourest aspect of the north that he had yet seen.
