used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
at or in the front
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
(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 “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
Bolton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
an occurrence of something
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
someone who is a detective
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
DirknounUS /dɜːrk/
a relatively long dagger with a straight blade
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
DuffernounUS /ˈdʌfər/
an incompetent or clumsy person
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
a quad with a square body
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
HASauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
he's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
JerrynounUS /ˈdʒeri/
offensive term for a person of German descent
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
jollyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
NimbleadjectiveUS /ˈnɪmbəl/
moving quickly and lightly
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
PolicemannounUS /pəˈliːsmən/
a member of a police force
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
quickeradverbUS /ˈkwɪkər/
more quickly
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
ringleadernounUS /ˈrɪŋliːdər/
a person who leads (especially in illicit activities)
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
SATANnounUS /ˈseɪtən/
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
slyer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
carry out
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
Tompkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil.
at the time that
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
in or at the place that
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
which person or people
From this reading “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a certain street was.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he may burst out on you.
