used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
admiringlyadverbUS /ædˈmaɪrɪŋli/
with admiration
From this reading "Why, Bee," said the other girl admiringly, "that was almost clever.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading "Why, Bee," said the other girl admiringly, "that was almost clever.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
BABESnounUS /beɪbz/
plural of “babe” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
BeenounUS /biː/
any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
beernounUS /bɪr/
a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
blousenounUS /blaʊs/
a top worn by women
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
brewingnounUS /ˈbruːɪŋ/
the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading "Why, Bee," said the other girl admiringly, "that was almost clever.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
despisedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspaɪzd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
Dora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
accept an excuse for
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
something many people believe that is false
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
a young female
From this reading "Why, Bee," said the other girl admiringly, "that was almost clever.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
Gowan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
MOUTHSnounUS /maʊðz/
plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
obstinateadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbstənət/
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a light shade of red
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/
the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
cut with a saw
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
express in words
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
a special situation
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
precisely as stated
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
at the time that
From this reading "It always seemed to me when I saw them together that the one despised the other for brewing beer and the other despised the one for brewing books."
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
hope for; have a wish
From this reading I wish I could think of that sort of thing to say."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Well, I fancy he does not get on too well with Mr. Gowan," said Bee.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" "That excuse about inspiration was all very well," said Dora, rubbing away hard at an obstinate spot on a pink silk blouse, "but I would give a good deal to know why he _really_ went off in such a violent hurry, Bee."
