1921
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 1921.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
clenching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
climaxnounUS /ˈklaɪmæks/
the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
demanding attention
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
curlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrli/
(of hair) having curls or waves
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
dealtverbUS /delt/
inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
finedverbUS /faɪnd/
past form of “fine” — issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
fistsnounUS /fɪsts/
plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
ingenuousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdʒenjuːəs/
characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
involuntarilyadverbUS /ˌɪnvoʊˈlʌntərɪli/
against your will
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
jugged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
manifestationsnounUS /ˌmænəfeˈsteɪʃənz/
plural of “manifestation” — a clear appearance
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
Mellesh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
in motion
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
prettieradjectiveUS /ˈprɪtiər/
comparative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
on the contrary
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
rivetedverbUS /ˈrɪvətɪd/
past form of “rivet” — direct one's attention on something
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
scalpnounUS /skælp/
the skin that covers the top of the head
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
sensationsnounUS /senˈseɪʃənz/
plural of “sensation” — an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
smashedadjectiveUS /smæʃt/
very drunk
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
precisely as stated
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading VIRTUE Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/
to a great degree
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with--three ‘jugged,’ and one fined--before his sensations reached their climax.
wrinkledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪŋkəld/
marked by wrinkles
From this reading His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.
