Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

later than; following

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

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

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

any thing at all

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

superlative of “bare” — completely unclothed

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

kill (animals) usually for food consumption

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

not methodically or according to plan

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

a period of 100 years

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

for the most part

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

possessive form of “dad” — an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

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

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

a native or inhabitant of Holland

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

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

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

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

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

an association of criminals

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

the act of departing

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

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

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

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

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

inflected form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

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

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

plural of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

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

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

and nothing more

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

make less visible or unclear

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

above and across; more than

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a human being

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

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

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

an educational institution

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

do one's shopping

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

a person (especially a lawyer or politician) who uses unscrupulous or unethical methods

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

plural of “shyster” — a person (especially a lawyer or politician) who uses unscrupulous or unethical methods

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

a crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

English actress (1847-1928)

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

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

From this reading Being Adventures of the Celebrated Firm of Shyster, n.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

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

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

in an artful manner

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

in a way that was not expected

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading He had strolled unexpectedly round the corner from his dad's saloon, had seen the row going on between Froelich and the gang of boys that after school hours used the street in front of the shop as a ball ground, and had merely seized the opportunity to vindicate his reputation as a desperado and put one over on the Dutchman.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The fact that he had on a red sweater was the barest coincidence.

at the time that

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

which person or people

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading When Terry McGurk hove the brick through the window of Froelich's butcher shop he did it casually, on general principles, and without any idea of starting anything.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading [Origin obscure.] One who does business trickily; a person without professional honor: used chiefly of lawyers; as, pettifoggers and shysters.--CENTURY DICTIONARY.