used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
(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 Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
astrideadverbUS /əˈstraɪd/
with one leg on each side
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
boy'snounUS /bɔɪz/
possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
someone who is a detective
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
dreadfullyadverbUS /ˈdredfəli/
of a dreadful kind
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
provide as food
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
a boy or man
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
horse'snounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/
possessive form of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
staying power
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
manenounUS /meɪn/
long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
mess-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
modestlyadverbUS /ˈmɑːdəstli/
with modesty; in a modest manner
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
many times at short intervals
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
To recall to mind.
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
repliesnounUS /rɪˈplaɪz/
plural of “reply” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
scrubbyadjectiveUS /ˈskrʌbi/
sparsely covered with stunted trees or vegetation and underbrush
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
carry out
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
tickleverbUS /ˈtɪkəl/
touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
From this reading I remember that the scrubby mane used to tickle my legs dreadfully.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
very small
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
toddled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And I often toddled into the stable to feed the horses with fresh grass.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading I must have been quite a tiny little fellow when my father used to take me up before him, and set me astride on his horse’s neck.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
at the time that
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Oh,” he said, “I had something to do with horses for so long a time back.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Dick did it as modestly as he could, and his words were as simple and natural as a boy’s need be, when he was questioned at the mess-table about his ability to ride and knowledge of horses; but it all had to be dragged out of him in replies to questions.
