Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and the father of Isaac; according to Genesis, God promised to give Abraham's family (the Hebrews) the land of Canaan (the Promised Land); God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

plural of “anecdote” — short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “council” — a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

at any time

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

create by hammering

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

disposed to please

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It was not so here.

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

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

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not so here.

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

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

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

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

plural of “legislature” — persons who make or amend or repeal laws

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

engage in

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

used to form the superlative

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not so here.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

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

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

spread across or over

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “pioneer” — someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

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

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

do one's shopping

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was not so here.

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “statesman” — a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

plural of “story” — 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 There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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 _JOHNNIE KONGAPOD'S INCREDIBLE STORY._ The country store, in most new settlements, is the resort of story-tellers.

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

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

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

From this reading THE OLD BLACKSMITH'S SHOP AND THE MERRY STORY-TELLERS.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.

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

From this reading It was not so here.

edge of a way or road or path

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

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

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

open wide

From this reading There was a log blacksmith-shop by the wayside near the Gentryville store, overspread by the cool boughs of pleasant trees, and having a glowing forge and wide-open doors, which was a favorite resort of the good-humored people of Spencer County, and here anecdotes and stories used to be told which Abraham Lincoln in his political life made famous.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The merry pioneers little thought that their rude stories would ever be told at great political meetings, to generals and statesmen, and help to make clear practical thought to Legislatures, senates, and councils of war.