used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
terminate
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/
relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
a young person of either sex
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
coal-blackadjective
of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
complexionnounUS /kəmˈplekʃən/
the coloring of a person's face
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
conceitnounUS /kənˈsiːt/
feelings of excessive pride
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
contractverbUS /ˈkɑːntrækt/
enter into a contractual arrangement
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
greatly pleased
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
having or involving the use of hands
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
heroesnounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/
plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
a message received and understood
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
insatiableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈseɪʃəbəl/
impossible to satisfy
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
immediately past
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
limenounUS /laɪm/
a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
listenernounUS /ˈlɪsənər/
someone who listens attentively
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
marble-white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
used to form the superlative
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
moustachenounUS /ˈmʌstæʃ/
an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
a message that seems to convey no meaning
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
and nothing more
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
make a promise or commitment
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
renownedadjectiveUS /rɪˈnaʊnd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
robbedverbUS /rɑːbd/
inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
scholarsnounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/
plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The spread of education and cheap literature robbed him of audience: the boys read of adventure by land and sea, the girls interested themselves in the fate of heroes with marble-white complexion and coal-black moustache.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
look attentively
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
which person or people
From this reading Many of the stories in this volume were told by an old man who said he had more and better learning nor the scholars.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "The like of them," he declared, "do be filled with conceit out of books, and the most of it only nonsense; 'tis myself has the real old knowledge was handed down from the ancient times."
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading But it happened that the old man took a contract to break stones for lime, and a child with an insatiable desire for information came to watch him at work.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I promise you will walk the world, like a Queen of ancient days, renowned for learning and wit," he assured her, delighted to find a listener at last.
