Chapter XXIV

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

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

how long something has existed

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

relating to or befitting athletics or athletes

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

for the reason that

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

fighting with the fists

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

a person who is in charge

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

comparative of “clever” — showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

required by rule

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

unvarying in nature

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

any of several games played with small rectangular blocks

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

a checkerboard game for two players who each have 12 pieces; the object is to jump over and so capture the opponent's pieces

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

out of condition; not strong or robust; incapable of exertion or endurance

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

plural of “fox” — alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

many times at short intervals

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

worry unnecessarily or excessively

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

an association of criminals

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

a sport that involves exercises intended to display strength and balance and agility

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

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

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

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

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

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

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

located, suited for, or taking place within a building

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

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

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

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 At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

the force of workers available

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

and nothing more

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

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

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

above and across; more than

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

go across or through

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

not often

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “slacker” — a person who shirks his work or duty (especially one who tries to evade military service in wartime)

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

plural of “squirm” — the act of wiggling

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading "I've got a rattling good idea for taking the starch out of Robin and his gang," Osbody announced to a little group of Squirms.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

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

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

having three corners

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

a sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner

From this reading The Three-cornered Tournament Never had the Squirms, as a body, succeeded in scoring points over the Merry Men.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

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

From this reading Duffers at football and cricket, which they only played because both were compulsory, slackers in the gymnasium, and too flabby to shine in athletic sports, their chief recreations were indoor ones which did not fret their fat, such as chess, draughts, and dominoes.

during the time that

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

which person or people

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.

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

From this reading At these three games they frequently played to pass away the long winter evenings, while other boys indulged in gymnastics and boxing.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Consequently, quite a number of them became, through constant practice, fairly proficient in table games--certainly far cleverer at them than other Foxes of their own age, who seldom cared to play with them.