Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell
Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell is here in full — 480 sentences across 96 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell
Context Illustration Reading 1/96 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.
The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.
He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.
A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.
The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell is here in full — 480 sentences across 96 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/96 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.
/ˈkʌzən ˈrɪtʃərdz ˈvɪzɪt/
Line 2
The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.
Line 3
He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.
/hiː lʊkt ˈfɔːrwərd ənd sɔː ə jʌŋ ˈfeloʊ ˈɡæləpɪŋ ˈræpədli təˈwɔːrdz hɪm/
Line 4
A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.
Line 5
The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

bewitch verb US /bɪˈwɪtʃ/

attract; cause to be enamored

From this reading “A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.”

halter noun US /ˈhɔːltər/

rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading

From this reading “The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.”

hardest adverb US /ˈhɑːrdəst/

superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading “The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.”

jerking noun US /ˈdʒɜːrkɪŋ/

an abrupt spasmodic movement

From this reading “A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.”

leeches noun US /ˈliːtʃɪz/

plural of “leech” — carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end

From this reading “The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.”

plebeian noun US /pləˈbiːən/

one of the common people

From this reading “A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.”

richard's noun US /ˈrɪtʃərdz/

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading “COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.”

slanting adjective US /ˈslæntɪŋ/

having an oblique or slanted direction

From this reading “The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.”

All words in this reading · 104

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

approachingnounUS /əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

backwardsadverbUS /ˈbækwərdz/

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

barebackadjective

riding without a saddle

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

beastnounUS /biːst/

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

bestriding

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

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

bewitchverbUS /bɪˈwɪtʃ/

attract; cause to be enamored

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

breedverbUS /briːd/

call forth

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

brownnounUS /braʊn/

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

canteringadjective

riding at a gait between a trot and a gallop

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

clatternounUS /ˈklætər/

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

countryboys

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

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

COUSINnounUS /ˈkʌzən/

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.

daylightnounUS /ˈdeɪlaɪt/

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

diggingnounUS /ˈdɪɡɪŋ/

the act of digging

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

DoctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

elbowsnounUS /ˈelboʊz/

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

fellownounUS /ˈfeloʊ/

a boy or man

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

gallopingverbUS /ˈɡæləpɪŋ/

-ing form of “gallop” — ride at a galloping pace

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

halternounUS /ˈhɔːltər/

rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/

superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

heelsnounUS /hiːlz/

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

hoofsnounUS /hʊfs/

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

horse'snounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/

possessive form of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

horsemennounUS /ˈhɔːrsmən/

plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

jerkingnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrkɪŋ/

an abrupt spasmodic movement

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

leechesnounUS /ˈliːtʃɪz/

plural of “leech” — carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

lovedadjectiveUS /lʌvd/

held dear

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

necknounUS /nek/

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

New-England

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

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/

impressive in appearance

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

objectsnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekts/

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

plebeiannounUS /pləˈbiːən/

one of the common people

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/

with speed

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

reverynoun

an abstracted state of absorption

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

ribsnounUS /rɪbz/

plural of “rib” — support resembling the rib of an animal

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

RICHARD'SnounUS /ˈrɪtʃərdz/

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.

rideverbUS /raɪd/

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

ridernounUS /ˈraɪdər/

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

rousedverbUS /raʊzd/

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

sawverbUS /sɔː/

cut with a saw

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

showingnounUS /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/

the display of a motion picture

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

slantingadjectiveUS /ˈslæntɪŋ/

having an oblique or slanted direction

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

stepnounUS /step/

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

stickingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪkɪŋ/

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

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 A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

toesnounUS /toʊz/

plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

trotverbUS /trɑːt/

run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

turnedadjectiveUS /tɜːrnd/

moved around an axis or center

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

unshodadjective

(used of certain religious orders) barefoot or wearing only sandals

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

VISITverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The best horsemen outside of the cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride "bareback," with only a halter round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the hardest trot as if they loved it.--This was a different sight on which the Doctor was looking.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those noble objects that bewitch the world.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him.

Chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell by Oliver Wendell Holmes holds 480 sentences, grouped into 96 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell contain?

Chapter 9 holds 480 sentences of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell, unabridged, divided into 96 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell by Oliver Wendell Holmes exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 480 sentences, grouped into 96 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 9 of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell?

Work through the 96 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 96 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 9 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell

Common questions about reading Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell by Oliver Wendell Holmes on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell?

Yes. All 48676 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #3252 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #3252, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 9736 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell section by section

How to work through Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell

Words and structures a reader meets early in Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Going
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Interrupted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Classifying
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Minds
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.