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Deadham Hard: A Romance
Deadham Hard: A Romance

Chapter VI

Cover illustration for Deadham Hard: A Romance
Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.
Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.
"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.
For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.
The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Deadham Hard: A Romance

Chapter VI

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.
Line 2
Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.
Line 3
"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.
Line 4
For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.
Line 5
The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

Learner Dictionary

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

Above preposition US /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.”

Born noun US /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.”

Couple noun US /ˈkʌpəl/

two people or things considered together

From this reading “The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

Peering verb US /ˈpɪrɪŋ/

looking closely or carefully

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

Silence noun US /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “"Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.”

All words in this reading · 115

Every word is available to listen to. 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 A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

addicted

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

age

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

all

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

allayed

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

alongside

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

amateur

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

audience

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

bandying

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

barber

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

black

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

boat

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

bornnounUS /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

certain

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

close

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

combined

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

conversation

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

CORDUROY

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

costume

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

coughed

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

two people or things considered together

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

cousins

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

CRITIC

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

denied

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

desire

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

easiness

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

espoused

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

Faircloth's

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

ferryman

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

flat-bottomed

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

forgetfulness

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

gardener

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

give

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

hand

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

hearing

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

heavy

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

holding

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

hot

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

induced

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

Inn

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

Jennifer

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

jetty

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

jobbing

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

keep

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

lost

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

lover

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

maker

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

mender

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

met

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

murmured

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

nets

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

nicely

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

offices

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

peeringverbUS /ˈpɪrɪŋ/

looking closely or carefully

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

person

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

phrases

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

pints

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

pleasantries

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

politeness

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

presence

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

proximity

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

rank

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

rat-catcher

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

rather

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

respective

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

sails

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

seasoned

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

sepulchral

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From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

sex

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From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

Shipping

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From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

sight

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From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

single

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

somewhat

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From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

staging

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From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

successfully

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

sweeps

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

Sweethearting

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

thirst

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

two

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

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

up

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From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "Sweethearting--lost to sight and hearing, espoused to forgetfulness," he murmured, peering up at the two cousins standing in such close proximity to one another upon the black staging above.

varied

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

warning

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

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The hot morning induced thirst, which, being allayed by a couple of pints at Faircloth's Inn, induced desire for a certain easiness of costume.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

William

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

From this reading A CRITIC IN CORDUROY William Jennifer, who successfully combined in his single person the varied offices of ferryman, rat-catcher, jobbing gardener, amateur barber, mender of sails and of nets, brought the heavy, flat-bottomed boat alongside the jetty.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Shipping the long sweeps, he coughed behind his hand with somewhat sepulchral politeness to give warning of his presence.

words

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

From this reading For William Jennifer was a born lover of words and maker of phrases, addicted to the bandying of pleasantries, nicely seasoned to their respective age, sex and rank, with all he met; and, when denied an audience, rather than keep silence holding conversation with himself.