used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
ABOUTprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
agentsnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənts/
plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
babiesnounUS /ˈbeɪbiz/
plural of “baby” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
beer-houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
Cassiterides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
ChapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/
a place of worship that has its own altar
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
cloaks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
clothing in general
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
costumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
Dartmoor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
devisedverbUS /dɪˈvaɪzd/
past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
erectingnounUS /ɪˈrektɪŋ/
the act of building or putting up
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
set up or found
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
girdles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
goatsnounUS /ɡoʊts/
plural of “goat” — any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
only a very short time before
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
the force of workers available
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
and nothing more
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
moorverbUS /mʊr/
secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
not any; not one
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
PASTIMESnounUS /ˈpæstaɪmz/
plural of “pastime” — a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
pasturenounUS /ˈpæstʃər/
a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
a full supply
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
by chance
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
procureverbUS /proʊˈkjʊr/
get by special effort
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
sheltersnounUS /ˈʃeltərz/
plural of “shelter” — a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
teasnounUS /tiːz/
plural of “tea” — a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
tunics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
not known
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
unsuitableadjectiveUS /ənˈsuːtəbəl/
not meant or adapted for a particular purpose
From this reading A more unsuitable costume for the moor could not have been devised, but it is probable that they were then in holiday attire.
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
migratory
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Chapel teas and beer-houses were unknown, and the people may have led a wandering existence, following their cattle and goats from place to place, and merely erecting rough shelters at every pasture ground.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
a Caucasian
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
which person or people
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is said that they appeared before the Roman agents, who came to the Cassiterides, which no doubt included the Dartmoor region, to procure the precious white metal, clad in black cloaks, with tunics reaching to their feet, and girdles round their waist.
showing curiosity
From this reading ABOUT PASTIMES One cannot help wondering how the early inhabitants of Dartmoor spent their time.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Possibly the men found plenty of work for their hands, while the ladies talked of their babies, though they could hardly talk of their clothes.
