used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
anew
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
Benjulia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
corpulentadjective
excessively fat
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
having the place or position changed
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
genialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒiːnjəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
gluttonousadjectiveUS /ˈɡlʌtənəs/
given to excess in consumption of especially food or drink
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
institutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/
an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
laboratorynounUS /ˈlæbrətɔːri/
a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
landscapesnounUS /ˈlændskeɪps/
plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
large-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
long-leggedadjective
having long legs
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
merry-makings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
of an obscure nature
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
something you have to do
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
pictorialadjectiveUS /pɪkˈtɔːriəl/
pertaining to or consisting of pictures
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a full supply
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
plumadverbUS /plʌm/
exactly
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
puddingsnounUS /ˈpʊdɪŋz/
plural of “pudding” — any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
express in words
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
subscribedadjectiveUS /səbˈskraɪbd/
(of a contract or will or other document) having a signature written at the end
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The servants had plenty of time to enjoy their genial newspaper, before the dining-room bell disturbed them.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Benjulia’s servants had but a dull time of it, poor souls, in the lonely house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
in the direction of
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
at the time that
From this reading On the rare occasions when he returned to the house, he was always out of temper.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading For some weeks past, the master had again begun to spend the whole of his time in the mysterious laboratory.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Towards the end of December, they subscribed among themselves to buy one of those wonderful Christmas Numbers--presenting year after year the same large-eyed ladies, long-legged lovers, corpulent children, snow landscapes, and gluttonous merry-makings--which have become a national institution: say, the pictorial plum puddings of the English nation.
