Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

(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 All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

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

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

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

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

next to; at the side of

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

terminate

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

a strip of land projecting into a body of water

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

possessive form of “crow” — black birds having a raucous call

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

aimless wandering from place to place

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

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

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

set up or found

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

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

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

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

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

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

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

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

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

immediately past

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

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

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

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

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

and nothing more

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

a small piece of cloth or paper

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

obtain or seize by violence

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

plural of “seagull” — mostly white aquatic bird having long pointed wings and short legs

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

unhealthy looking

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

covered with snow

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

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

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

possessing sweep

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

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

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

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

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

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

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

up to a particular time

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading The lake was entirely frozen; one could walk across it from shore to shore.

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

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

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

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

at the time that

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

in or at the place that

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

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

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading All through December the snow swept the fields, drifting into the willows in front of the Crow's Nest, the only place in the neighborhood where a little shelter was to be found.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading THE RAVEN FLIES BY NIGHT It was a hard winter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading When there was a moon, the rag and bone man would go down and with his wooden shoe break the ice round the seagulls and wild ducks, which were frozen in the lake, and then carry them home under his snow-covered cape.

inflected form of “wring” — twist and press out of shape

From this reading He would put them on the peat beside the fireplace, where for days they stood on one leg gazing sickly into the embers, until Soerine at last took them into the kitchen and wrung their necks.