Chapter XXXVII · Chapter 37

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

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

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

on foot; walking

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

the two together, not just one

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

lacking funds

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

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

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

past form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

plural of “cock” — obscene terms for penis

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

past form of “coo” — speak softly or lovingly

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

make certain of

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

an area adjacent to farm buildings

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

plural of “gal” — United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

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

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

plural of “handcuff” — shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

used of sounds and voices; high in pitch or frequency

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

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

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

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

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

past form of “launch” — set up or found

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

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

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

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

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

plural of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

a form of address for a man

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

characterized by or capable of producing music

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

not any; not one

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

belonging to or active during the night

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

past form of “pant” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

possessive form of “pig” — domestic swine

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

plural of “pigeon” — wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

past form of “sniff” — perceive by inhaling through the nose

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

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

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

a request to be present

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

plural of “thatch” — hair resembling thatched roofing material

From this reading On Monks Barton thatches the pigeons cooed and bowed and gurgled to their ladies, cows lowed from the byres, cocks crew, and the mill-wheel, already launched upon the business of the day, panted from its dark habitation of dripping moss and fern.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

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

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

under normal conditions

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

the act of waking

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

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

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

which person or people

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.

possessive form of “will” — the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention

From this reading At an early hour of the morning that dawned upon Will's nocturnal adventures, Billy stood in the farmyard and surveyed the shining river to an accompaniment of many musical sounds.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS Mr. Blee, to do him justice, was usually the first afoot at Monks Barton, both winter and summer.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Billy sniffed the morning, then proceeded to a pig's sty, opened a door within it, and chuckled at the spectacle that greeted him.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The maids who slept near him needed no alarum, for his step on the stair and his high-pitched summons, "Now then, you lazy gals, what be snorin' theer for, an' the day broke?" was always sufficient to ensure their wakening.