used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
ABDUCTIONnounUS /æbˈdʌkʃən/
the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man's wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
(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 Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
put or send forth
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
a young person of either sex
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
cordiallyadverbUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
defencelessadjective
lacking protection or support
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
entreatynounUS /enˈtriːti/
earnest or urgent request
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
extendverbUS /ɪkˈstend/
extend in scope or range or area
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
giration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
Gordon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
improprietynounUS /ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/
an improper demeanor
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
Kirsty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
lairdnounUS /lerd/
a landowner
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
the act of departing
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
not any; not one
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
NOVELnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
many times at short intervals
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
on one occasion
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
Phemy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
Phemy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
predictingverbUS /prɪˈdɪktɪŋ/
-ing form of “predict” — make a prediction about; tell in advance
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
with speed
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
schoolmasternounUS /ˈskuːlmæstər/
presiding officer of a school
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
not often
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
a state of social isolation
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
a male human offspring
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
strollingverbUS /ˈstroʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
tempestnounUS /ˈtempəst/
a violent commotion or disturbance
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
tonguesnounUS /tʌŋz/
plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Before this had happened twice, all the town was talking about it, and predicting evil.
a source of difficulty
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
two times
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
(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 Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
whirlwindnounUS /ˈwɜːrlwɪnd/
a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth
From this reading So rapidly, however, did the whirlwind of tongues extend its giration that within half a week it reached Kirsty, and cast her into great trouble: her poor silly defenceless Phemy, the child of her friend, was in danger from the son of her father’s friend!
which person or people
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Once or twice Gordon, at Phemy’s entreaty, went and took tea with her at her father’s, and was cordially received by the schoolmaster, who had no sense of impropriety in their strolling out together afterward, leaving him well content with the company of his books.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Phemy heard nothing and feared nothing; but if feeling had been weather and talk tempest, she would have been glad enough to keep within.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A NOVEL ABDUCTION Phemy went seldom to the castle, but the young laird and she met pretty often: there was solitude enough in that country for an army of lovers.
