1
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
(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 Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
anxietiesnounUS /æŋˈzaɪətiz/
plural of “anxiety” — (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
make certain of
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
formed or made thin by hammering
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
bettersnounUS /ˈbetərz/
plural of “better” — something superior in quality or condition or effect
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
burnersnounUS /ˈbɜːrnərz/
plural of “burner” — an apparatus for burning fuel (or refuse)
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
charcoalnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrkoʊl/
a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
Clayton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
a small house with a single story
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
doggedadjectiveUS /dɔːɡd/
stubbornly unyielding
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
drizzlyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪzli/
wet with light rain
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
at any time
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
gamekeepernounUS /ˈɡeɪmkiːpər/
a person employed to take care of game and wildlife
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
destroyed or killed
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
hawksnounUS /hɔːks/
plural of “hawk” — diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/
having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
keepersnounUS /ˈkiːpərz/
plural of “keeper” — someone in charge of other people
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
mizzly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
not any; not one
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
Nowelhurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
Nowell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
peasantnounUS /ˈpezənt/
a country person
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
by chance
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
plantationsnounUS /ˌplænˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “plantation” — an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
questnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
SaxonnounUS /ˈsæksən/
a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons; dominant in England until the Norman Conquest
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A mizzly, drizzly rain set in before the poor people got home that evening with the body of Clayton Nowell.
term of address for a man
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
sparrownounUS /ˈsperoʊ/
any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
specimennounUS /ˈspesəmən/
an example regarded as typical of its class
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
Stote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
sturdyadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
tenaciousadjectiveUS /təˈneɪʃəs/
good at remembering
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
theirselves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
in or at that place or location
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
tidyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪdi/
marked by order and cleanliness in appearance or habits
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
precisely as stated
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
weaselsnounUS /ˈwiːzəlz/
plural of “weasel” — a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
which person or people
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading His home was a lonely cottage in one of the plantations, and there he had a tidy and very intelligent wife, and a host of little anxieties.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mark Stote, the head–gamekeeper on the Nowelhurst estate, was a true and honest specimen of the West Saxon peasant—slow, tenacious, and dogged, faithful and affectionate, with too much deference, perhaps, to all who seemed “his betters”.
wivvery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
a late time of life
From this reading He was now about fifty years old, but sturdy and active as ever, with a weather–beaten face and eyes always in quest of something.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading His children, the sparrow–hawks, the weasels, the young fellows who “called theirselves under–keepers, and all they kept was theirselves, sir”,—what with these troubles, and (worst, perhaps, of all) that nest of charcoal–burners by the bustle–headed oak, with Black Will at the head of them, sometimes, Mark Stote would assure us, his head was gone “all wivvery[1] like”, and he could get no sleep of night–time.
