Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

-ing form of “doze” — sleep lightly or for a short period of time

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

with excitement; in an excited manner

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

opinion or judgment

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

lacking brilliance or vitality

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

a particular point in time

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

on one occasion

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

above and across; more than

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

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

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

Goods or treasure taken by force or theft, especially in war or banditry.

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

in the near future

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

try to get or reach

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

plural of “speaker” — someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

make square

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

-ing form of “stamp” — walk heavily

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

be standing; be upright

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

the act of changing one thing or position for another

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

past form of “tarnish” — make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

shedding tears

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

plural of “theory” — a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading Having decided to test all possible theories, she for the moment pigeon-holed the idea of a mistake, and began to seek for other explanations.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

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

From this reading Once more, she began to go over the case.

of the highest quality

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading But presently her eyes began to glow, and she sprang up and excitedly paced the little office.

in a vacant manner

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.

at the time that

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading THE LADY LAWYER When old Hosie had withdrawn with his expectorative plunder, Katherine sat down at the desk and gazed thoughtfully out of her window, taking in the tarnished dome of the Court House that rose lustreless above the elm tops and the heavy-boned farmhorses that stood about the iron hitch-racks of the Square, stamping and switching their tails in dozing warfare against the flies.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading For a space she vacantly watched the workmen tearing down the speakers' stand.