used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
brawlsnounUS /brɔːlz/
plural of “brawl” — an uproarious party
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/
showing effects of planning or manipulation
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
cornetnounUS /kɔːrˈnet/
a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
Dilly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
diminishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈmɪnɪʃt/
impaired by diminution
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
discordantadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɔːrdənt/
not in agreement or harmony
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
ear-splitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
fiddlenounUS /ˈfɪdəl/
bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
set up or found
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
FrenchmennounUS /ˈfrentʃmen/
plural of “frenchman” — a person of French nationality
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
harmlessadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrmləs/
not causing or capable of causing harm
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
jailersnounUS /ˈdʒeɪlərz/
plural of “jailer” — someone who guards prisoners
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
melodynounUS /ˈmelədi/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
the force of workers available
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
and nothing more
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
noisesnounUS /ˈnɔɪzɪz/
plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
notablyadverbUS /ˈnoʊtəbli/
especially; in particular
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
passableadjectiveUS /ˈpæsəbəl/
able to be passed or traversed or crossed
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
pastimenounUS /ˈpæstaɪm/
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
Punchard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
quietening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
Runnles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
scrapeverbUS /skreɪp/
scratch repeatedly
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
squabblesnounUS /ˈskwɑːbəlz/
plural of “squabble” — a quarrel about petty points
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
stringsnounUS /strɪŋz/
the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Our jailers encouraged this pastime; it was not merely harmless in itself, but it had a quietening effect on the temper of the men, and the squabbles and brawls among them notably diminished.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
Tolliday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
unearthedverbUS /əˈnɜːrθt/
past form of “unearth” — bring to light
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
precisely as stated
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
nonexistent
From this reading One of the Frenchmen unearthed an old fiddle, and though one of its strings was wanting, a man named Ben Tolliday contrived to scrape very passable melody out of it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
in or at the place that
From this reading Where one leads, others are sure to follow.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading It was wonderful how many of the prisoners discovered a talent for music after Punchard and Runnles had thus led the way.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading Old John Dilly announced that he had played the cornet in his youth, and before very long an instrument was found for him, and after a few days' practice (during which we had to suffer a variety of discordant and ear-splitting noises) he recovered something of his former skill.
