Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

expletives used informally as intensifiers

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

the two together, not just one

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

for a short time

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

showing who or what does the action

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a member of the communist party

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

the hard cylindrical core that bears the kernels of an ear of corn

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

the residue of partially burnt tobacco left caked in the bowl of a pipe after smoking

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading Which in Old Chauncey was tantamount to fury.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

past form of “hoard” — save up as for future use

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Which in Old Chauncey was tantamount to fury.

given to inquiry

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

humorously sarcastic or mocking

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a coniferous tree

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

bring forth or yield

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

past form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

in a serious manner

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

a unit of spoken language larger than a phoneme

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

carry out

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

being essentially equal to something

From this reading Which in Old Chauncey was tantamount to fury.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

past form of “tighten” — make tight or tighter

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

without emotion; devoid of emotion

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Which in Old Chauncey was tantamount to fury.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading He might produce one link in a day or let it require a full week.

at the time that

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Which in Old Chauncey was tantamount to fury.

-ing form of “whittle” — cut small bits or pare shavings from

From this reading Each link of the chain he was whittling from that interminable stick of soft pine resembled ivory in its satin finish.

which person or people

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Words being precious things, both old boys hoarded every syllable; Shep tightened his leathery lips and with the scalpel-point of the knife flicked away a mote of pine.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading [Sidenote: _An ironic little story about a practical communist who taught his friend when to take him seriously_] Chauncey knocked the dottle out of his corncob and briefly startled Old Shep by inquiring unemotionally, "Will you never finish that blasted stick?"