adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
alternateadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərnət/
every second one of a series
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
appearverbUS /əˈpɪr/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
Auchenlochan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
boxnounUS /bɑːks/
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
cheesesnounUS /ˈtʃiːzɪz/
plural of “cheese” — a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
cottagenounUS /ˈkɑːtədʒ/
a small house with a single story
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
crouchedverbUS /kraʊtʃt/
past form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
Dalquharter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
DEPARTEDadjectiveUS /dɪˈpɑːrtɪd/
well in the past; former
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
departurenounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/
the act of departing
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
Dickson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
dimitynoun
a strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern; used for bedcovers and curtains
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
DobsonnounUS /ˈdɑːbsən/
large brown aquatic larva of the dobsonfly; used as fishing bait
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
feetnounUS /fiːt/
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
floornounUS /flɔːr/
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
formeradjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmər/
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
gapnounUS /ɡæp/
a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
garden-gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
garnishedverbUS /ˈɡɑːrnɪʃt/
past form of “garnish” — take a debtor's wages on legal orders, such as for child support
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
HeritagenounUS /ˈherətədʒ/
practices that are handed down from the past by tradition
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
homenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW MR.
immenseadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmens/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
innkeepernounUS /ˈɪnkiːpər/
the owner or manager of an inn
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
loftnounUS /lɔːft/
floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
McCUNN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
Morran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
MRnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading HOW MR.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
nightsnounUS /naɪts/
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
obviousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbviəs/
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
packverbUS /pæk/
arrange in a container
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
padlocknounUS /ˈpædlɑːk/
a detachable lock; has a hinged shackle that can be passed through the staple of a hasp or the links in a chain and then snapped shut
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
post-cart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
realadjectiveUS /riːl/
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
reasonsnounUS /ˈriːzənz/
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
RELIEFnounUS /rɪˈliːf/
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
RESOLUTIONnounUS /ˌrezəˈluːʃən/
a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
RETURNEDverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
satnounUS /sæt/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
sevennounUS /ˈsevən/
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
sleptverbUS /slept/
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/
dependable
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
transportedverbUS /trænˈspɔːrtɪd/
past form of “transport” — move something or somebody around; usually over long distances
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
watchingnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Heritage for obvious reasons did not appear; at the moment he was crouched on the floor of the loft watching the departure through a gap in the dimity curtains.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading In it sat the ancient postman, whose real home was Auchenlochan, but who slept alternate nights in Dalquharter, and beside him Dobson the innkeeper.
WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading McCUNN DEPARTED WITH RELIEF AND RETURNED WITH RESOLUTION At seven o'clock on the following morning the post-cart, summoned by an early message from Mrs. Morran, appeared outside the cottage.
woodenadjectiveUS /ˈwʊdən/
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading Dickson and his hostess stood at the garden-gate, the former with his pack on his back and at his feet a small stout wooden box, of the kind in which cheeses are transported, garnished with an immense padlock.
