used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
brimnounUS /brɪm/
the top edge of a vessel or other container
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
ColtnounUS /koʊlt/
a young male horse under the age of four
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
CurtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
fadedadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪdəd/
having lost freshness or brilliance of color
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
a boy or man
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
gripsnounUS /ɡrɪps/
plural of “grip” — the act of grasping
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
not accessible to view
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
holsternounUS /ˈhoʊlstər/
a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
litteredadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtərd/
filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
loose-jointedadjective
loosely articulated or constructed
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
mustachenounUS /ˈmʌstæʃ/
an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
oilnounUS /ɔɪl/
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
and nothing more
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
outlinenounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
partialadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːrʃəl/
being or affecting only a part; not total
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
patchedadjectiveUS /pætʃt/
mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
to become aware of through the senses
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
only a very short time before
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
shadingnounUS /ˈʃeɪdɪŋ/
graded markings that indicate light or shaded areas in a drawing or painting
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in charge.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
typicaladjectiveUS /ˈtɪpəkəl/
exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
ugly-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
unsweptadjective
not swept or having sweep
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could scarcely perceive its outline.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading He appeared a typical rough, wearing high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster.
accept gladly
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A PLEASANT WELCOME It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor unswept, the chairs faded and patched.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Curtains were drawn closely at the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered with old newspapers.
