used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
adjutantnounUS /ˈædʒətənt/
an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
(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 Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
BurgundynounUS /ˈbɜːrɡəndi/
a former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
circulatedverbUS /ˈsɜːrkjəleɪtɪd/
past form of “circulate” — become widely known and passed on
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
clamorverbUS /ˈklæmər/
make loud demands
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
countrymennounUS /ˈkʌntrimɪn/
plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
dinnounUS /dɪn/
a loud harsh or strident noise
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading THE DINNER.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
duelsnounUS /ˈduːəlz/
plural of “duel” — a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
being one more than seven
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
one or the other of two
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
a social unit living together
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
Ferguson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
in a free manner
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
fumesnounUS /fjuːmz/
gases ejected from an engine as waste products
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
good-naturedadjective
having an easygoing and cheerful disposition
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
huntsnounUS /hʌnts/
plural of “hunt” — Englishman and Pre-Raphaelite painter (1827-1910)
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
loud-swearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
MonsoonnounUS /mɑːnˈsuːn/
a seasonal wind in southern Asia; blows from the southwest (bringing rain) in summer and from the northeast in winter
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
used to form the superlative
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
mystifiedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstəfaɪd/
totally perplexed and mixed up
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
not any; not one
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
O'Shaughnessy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
something you have to do
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
punch-drinking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
riotousadjectiveUS /ˈraɪətəs/
produced or growing in extreme abundance
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DINNER.
Trevyllian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
unimaginableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnəbəl/
totally unlikely
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
vapornounUS /ˈveɪpər/
a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Major O'Shaughnessy, our host, was one of that class of my countrymen I cared least for,--a riotous, good-natured, noisy, loud-swearing, punch-drinking western; full of stories of impossible fox hunts, and unimaginable duels, which all were acted either by himself or some member of his family.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The company consisted of the adjutant, Monsoon, Ferguson, Trevyllian, and some eight or ten officers with whom I was acquainted.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading As is usual on such occasions, the wine circulated freely, and amidst the din and clamor of excited conversation, the fumes of Burgundy, and the vapor of cigar smoke, we most of us became speedily mystified.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was with no peculiar pleasure that I dressed for our dinner party.
