1864
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading (1864)
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
airnounUS /er/
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
awakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
bewareverbUS /bɪˈwer/
be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
breathnounUS /breθ/
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
bringsverbUS /brɪŋz/
third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
broadenverbUS /ˈbrɔːdən/
make broader
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
coilsnounUS /kɔɪlz/
plural of “coil” — a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
cooingverbUS /ˈkuːɪŋ/
-ing form of “coo” — speak softly or lovingly
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
COPPERHEADnounUS /ˈkɑːpərhed/
common coppery brown pit viper of upland eastern United States
From this reading THE COPPERHEAD
creepsnounUS /kriːps/
a disease of cattle and sheep attributed to a dietary deficiency; characterized by anemia and softening of the bones and a slow stiff gait
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
deadlieradjectiveUS /ˈdedliər/
comparative of “deadly” — causing or capable of causing death
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
deathnounUS /deθ/
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
dovesnounUS /dʌvz/
plural of “dove” — any of numerous small pigeons
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
dripverbUS /drɪp/
fall in drops
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
falseadjectiveUS /fɔːls/
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
flungverbUS /flʌŋ/
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
footstepnounUS /ˈfʊtstep/
the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
GoverbUS /ɡoʊ/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
hangsnounUS /hæŋz/
plural of “hang” — a special way of doing something
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
lashverbUS /læʃ/
beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
LikeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
liliesnounUS /ˈlɪliz/
plural of “lily” — any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
lovesnounUS /lʌvz/
plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
MagnolianounUS /mæɡˈnoʊljə/
dried bark of various magnolias; used in folk medicine
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
miasmanounUS /miˈæzmə/
an unwholesome atmosphere
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
mistverbUS /mɪst/
become covered with mist
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
musknounUS /mʌsk/
an odorous glandular secretion from the male musk deer; used as a perfume fixative
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
oozenounUS /uːz/
any thick, viscous matter
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
overseernounUS /ˈoʊvərˈsiːər/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
peacenounUS /piːs/
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
phylacteries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
prayernounUS /prer/
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
seekverbUS /siːk/
try to get or reach
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
slave-driver's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
sleepsnounUS /sliːps/
plural of “sleep” — a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
stagnantadjectiveUS /ˈstæɡnənt/
not circulating or flowing
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
stumbleverbUS /ˈstʌmbəl/
walk unsteadily
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
swampverbUS /swɑːmp/
drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
swingsnounUS /swɪŋz/
plural of “swing” — a state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE COPPERHEAD
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
thickadjectiveUS /θɪk/
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
thongnounUS /θɔːŋ/
leather strip that forms the flexible part of a whip
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
upas-tree's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
vapornounUS /ˈveɪpər/
a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
watersnounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
whipverbUS /wɪp/
beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading Go seek him: he coils in the ooze and the drip, Like a thong idly flung from the slave-driver's whip; But beware the false footstep,--the stumble that brings A deadlier lash than the overseer swings.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps, Where the waters are stagnant, the white vapor creeps, Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air, And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer.
yesnounUS /jes/
an affirmative
From this reading There is peace in the swamp, though the quiet is death, Though the mist is miasma, the upas-tree's breath, Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves,-- There is peace: yes, the peace that the Copperhead loves.
