adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
benefitnounUS /ˈbenəfɪt/
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
boy'snounUS /bɔɪz/
possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
bringingnounUS /ˈbrɪŋɪŋ/
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
chargingverbUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “charge” — to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
choresnounUS /tʃɔːrz/
plural of “chore” — a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
concernnounUS /kənˈsɜːrn/
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
distinctivenessnounUS /dɪˈstɪŋktɪvnəs/
a distinguishing trait
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
docknounUS /dɑːk/
an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
drawbacknounUS /ˈdrɔːbæk/
the quality of being a hindrance
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
easieradjectiveUS /ˈiːziər/
comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
excuseverbUS /ɪksˈkjuːs/
accept an excuse for
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
factnounUS /fækt/
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
fingerverbUS /ˈfɪŋɡər/
feel or handle with the fingers
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
fussyadjectiveUS /ˈfʌsi/
annoyed and irritable
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
GenerallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/
usually; as a rule
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
giveverbUS /ɡɪv/
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
givesnounUS /ɡɪvz/
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
grassverbUS /ɡræs/
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
growsverbUS /ɡroʊz/
third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
handsnounUS /hændz/
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
insistsverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪsts/
third-person singular of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
ItsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
kitchennounUS /ˈkɪtʃən/
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
knucklesnounUS /ˈnʌkəlz/
(used in the plural) a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
marblesnounUS /ˈmɑːrbəlz/
a children's game played with little balls made of a hard substance (as glass)
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
mashedness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
midwayadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdweɪ/
equally distant from the extremes
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
officiousadjective
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
ordinarynounUS /ˈɔːrdəneri/
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
possessornounUS /pəˈzesər/
a person who owns something
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
profitnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/
the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
pullverbUS /pʊl/
cause to move by pulling
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
pullingnounUS /ˈpʊlɪŋ/
the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
quickeradverbUS /ˈkwɪkər/
more quickly
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
ragnounUS /ræɡ/
a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
regularadjectiveUS /ˈreɡjələr/
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
removingverbUS /riˈmuːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
singlesnounUS /ˈsɪŋɡəlz/
badminton played with one person on each side
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
soiledadjectiveUS /sɔɪld/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
sourcenounUS /sɔːrs/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
statenounUS /steɪt/
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
touchverbUS /tʌtʃ/
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
unmaimed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The presence of a soiled rag around a finger gives to a boy's hand a touch of distinctiveness--singles it out from ordinary unmaimed hands.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading The fact that one finger is usually in a state of mashedness is no drawback, but a benefit.
washedadjectiveUS /wɑːʃt/
clean by virtue of having been washed in water
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
washingnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋ/
the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
weedsnounUS /wiːdz/
a black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
witnounUS /wɪt/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
woodnounUS /wʊd/
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
wrappings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may even be made a source of profit by removing the wrappings and charging two china marbles a look.
wristnounUS /rɪst/
a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
yardnounUS /jɑːrd/
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Its presence has been known to excuse its happy possessor from such chores as bringing in wood for the kitchen stove or pulling dock weeds out of the grass in a front yard where it would be much easier and quicker to pull the grass out of the dock weeds.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Generally speaking a boy's hands give him no serious concern during the first few years of his life except at such times as his mother grows officious and fussy and insists that they ought to be washed up as far as the regular place for washing a boy's hands, to wit, about midway between the knuckles and the wrist.
