used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
arouseverbUS /ərˈaʊz/
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
bombardmentnounUS /bɑːmˈbɑːrdmənt/
the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
ConsequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/
move away from a place into another direction
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
gentsnounUS /dʒents/
plural of “gent” — informal abbreviation of “gentleman”
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
homesteadersnounUS /ˈhoʊmstedərz/
plural of “homesteader” — someone who settles lawfully on government land with the intent to acquire title to it
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
hostilitynounUS /hɑːˈstɪləti/
a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
kinnounUS /kɪn/
a person having kinship with another or others
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
luggagenounUS /ˈlʌɡədʒ/
cases used to carry belongings when traveling
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
new-found
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
PapnounUS /pæp/
worthless or oversimplified ideas
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
parriedverbUS /ˈperid/
inflected form of “parry” — impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
Peleg's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
select carefully from a group
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
having a point
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
ResentingverbUS /rɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “resent” — feel bitter or indignant about
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
an instance of visual perception
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
SorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
storekeepernounUS /ˈstɔːrkiːpər/
a merchant who owns or manages a shop
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
TednounUS /ted/
a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Resenting the attempt to learn their private affairs, the boys parried the most pointed inquiries, though they feared to do so too openly lest they should arouse Peleg’s hostility.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
precisely as stated
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Consequently it was with great relief that they heard a shrill voice call:
the words that are spoken
From this reading At the words Phil and Ted sprang to their feet and began to pick up their luggage.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You kin show the gents up to their room now, Pap.”
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A CLOSE CALL Sorry, indeed, were the young homesteaders to see their new-found friend depart, for before he was out of sight, the storekeeper opened a bombardment of questions, some of them very personal.
