aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
ballad-singers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
barnyardnounUS /ˈbɑːrnjɑːrd/
a yard adjoining a barn
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
betideverbUS /bɪˈtaɪd/
become of; happen to
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
BlastverbUS /blæst/
make a strident sound
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
blithelyadverbUS /ˈblaɪθli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
BluebirdnounUS /ˈbluːbɜːrd/
fruit-eating mostly brilliant blue songbird of the East Indies
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
Bob-white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
bramblenounUS /ˈbræmbəl/
any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
buysnounUS /baɪz/
plural of “buy” — an advantageous purchase
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
cagesnounUS /ˈkeɪdʒɪz/
plural of “cage” — an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
captivenounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
go after with the intent to catch
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
Chickadeenoun
any of various small grey-and-black songbirds of North America
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
citizennounUS /ˈsɪtəzən/
a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
CrowverbUS /kroʊ/
dwell on with satisfaction
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
DownyadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊni/
like down or as soft as down
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
one or the other of two
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
divisible by two
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
far-offadjective
very far away in space or time
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
FearlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrləs/
oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
flocksnounUS /flɑːks/
plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
people in general (often used in the plural)
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
gauntadjectiveUS /ɡɔːnt/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
GeesenounUS /ɡiːs/
plural of “goose” — web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
GoldfinchnounUS /ˈɡoʊldfɪntʃ/
American finch whose male has yellow body plumage in summer
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
greetverbUS /ɡriːt/
express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
hallooverb
urge on with shouts
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
hardyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
hawnounUS /hɔː/
a spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
heavenlyadjectiveUS /ˈhevənli/
relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
HemlocknounUS /ˈhemlɑːk/
poisonous drug derived from an Eurasian plant of the genus Conium
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
herby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
hopverbUS /hɑːp/
jump lightly
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
interlaceverbUS /ˌɪntərˈleɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
inviteverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪt/
increase the likelihood of
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
JaynounUS /dʒeɪ/
United States diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with Britain and served as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1829)
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
killingnounUS /ˈkɪlɪŋ/
an event that causes someone to die
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
lacksnounUS /læks/
plural of “lack” — the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
lonesomeadjectiveUS /ˈloʊnsəm/
being the only one; single and isolated from others
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
something that is lost
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
engage in
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
marshesnounUS /ˈmɑːrʃəz/
plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
MaskedadjectiveUS /mæskt/
having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
MIDWINTERnounUS /ˈmɪˈdwɪntər/
the middle of winter
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
musiciansnounUS /mjuːˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
night-black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
Nuthatchnoun
any of various small short-tailed songbirds with strong feet and a sharp beak that feed on small nuts and insects
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
OwlnounUS /aʊl/
nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
pasturesnounUS /ˈpæstʃərz/
plural of “pasture” — a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
PlumeverbUS /pluːm/
rip off; ask an unreasonable price
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
prefersverbUS /prəˈfɜːrz/
third-person singular of “prefer” — like better; value more highly
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
provesverbUS /pruːvz/
third-person singular of “prove” — be shown or be found to be
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
rambleverbUS /ˈræmbəl/
continue talking or writing in a desultory manner
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
move upward
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
roveverbUS /roʊv/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
rowan-berry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
SaulnounUS /sɔːl/
(Old Testament) the first king of the Israelites who defended Israel against many enemies (especially the Philistines)
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
scarletnounUS /ˈskɑːrlət/
a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
screamingadjectiveUS /ˈskriːmɪŋ/
so extremely intense as to evoke screams
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
SnowbirdnounUS /ˈsnoʊbɜːrd/
medium-sized Eurasian thrush seen chiefly in winter
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
SnowyadjectiveUS /ˈsnoʊi/
marked by the presence of snow
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
SparrownounUS /ˈsperoʊ/
any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
spiritualadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəl/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
StarlingnounUS /ˈstɑːrlɪŋ/
gregarious birds native to the Old World
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
SwallowverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊ/
pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
TablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
tappernounUS /ˈtæpər/
a tavern keeper who taps kegs or casks
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
thinnedadjectiveUS /θɪnd/
mixed with water
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
ThrushnounUS /θrʌʃ/
candidiasis of the oral cavity; seen mostly in infants or debilitated adults
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
tree-tops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
tribesnounUS /traɪbz/
plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
trimsnounUS /trɪmz/
plural of “trim” — a state of arrangement or appearance
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
Troubadours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
twittering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Should we make prisoners of “The ballad-singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city, The birds, who make sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul”?
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
at the time that
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
in or at the place that
From this reading Now among the barnyard brood Fearless, searching for your food; Nuthatch, Snowbird, Chickadee, Downy tapper on the tree; And you twittering Goldfinch drove (Masked in gray) that blithely rove Where the herby pastures show Tables set above the snow: And ye other flocks that ramble, Where the red hop trims the bramble, Or the rowan-berry bright And the scarlet haw invite— Winter comrades, well betide ye, Friendly trunk and hollow hide ye, Hemlock branches interlace, When the Northern Blast gives chase.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
which person or people
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the most material mind will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly lacks the spiritual quality.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
Winter'snounUS /ˈwɪntərz/
possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
Wood-dove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
XXnoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading XX MIDWINTER BIRDS WINTER COMRADES Plume and go, ye summer folk Fly from Winter’s killing stroke, Bluebird, Sparrow, Thrush, and Swallow, Wild Geese from the marshes follow, Wood-dove from the lonesome hollow Rise and follow South—all follow!
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Now I greet ye, hardy tribes, Snowy Owl, and night-black Crow, Starling with your wild halloo; Blue Jay screaming like the wind, In the tree-tops gaunt and thinned; You in summer called “Bob-white” (Voice of far-off fields’ delight).
