used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/
be present or associated with an event or entity
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
anonadverbUS /ˌæˈnɔːn/
at another time
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
(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 On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
Capt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
Cato
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
Charlie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
a young person of either sex
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
deaconnounUS /ˈdiːkən/
a Protestant layman who assists the minister
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
Dillah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
at any time
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
apart from; not including
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
exclaimingnounUS /ɪkˈskleɪmɪŋ/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
give expression to
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
many times at short intervals
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
gwine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
inasmuch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
industriouslyadverb
in an industrious manner
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
irresoluteadjective
uncertain how to act or proceed
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
Jake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
looking-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
and nothing more
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
overheardverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhɜːrd/
inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
PearsnounUS /perz/
plural of “pear” — sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
rocking-chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
Identical; not different.
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading For a moment the captain stood irresolute.
stuffedadjectiveUS /stʌft/
filled with something
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
stumpnounUS /stʌmp/
the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This remark was overheard by her master, Capt. Wilder.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
waggonnoun
any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
WildernounUS /ˈwaɪldər/
United States writer and dramatist (1897-1975)
From this reading Everything was in readiness except the little waggon which was to convey the best looking-glass, the stuffed rocking-chair, Mrs. Wilder, and Charlie.
wipingverbUS /ˈwaɪpɪŋ/
-ing form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
hope for; have a wish
From this reading He had frequently heard Cato express the same wish, and thought it quite natural too, inasmuch as Jake, their only child, was to accompany the deacon.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On an old stump near the gate sat Aunt Dillah, industriously wiping the tears from her dusky cheeks, and ever and anon exclaiming, “’Pears like I could bar it better if I was gwine with them.”
