used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
anklesnounUS /ˈæŋkəlz/
plural of “ankle” — a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
completely unclothed
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
batteredadjectiveUS /ˈbætərd/
damaged by blows or hard usage
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
beggarnounUS /ˈbeɡər/
a pauper who lives by begging
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
bottomsnounUS /ˈbɑːtəmz/
plural of “bottom” — the lower side of anything
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
DINSHAW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
drillverbUS /drɪl/
make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
fringedadjective
surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
frogging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
khakiadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːki/
of a yellowish brown color
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
LockenounUS /lɑːk/
English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "Poor old man!"
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
messnounUS /mes/
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "Poor old man!"
packagenounUS /ˈpækədʒ/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
patchedadjectiveUS /pætʃt/
mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
pitifuladjectiveUS /ˈpɪtəfəl/
inspiring mixed contempt and pity
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading "Poor old man!"
rimlessadjective
lacking a rim or frame
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
RipverbUS /rɪp/
tear or be torn violently
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
cut with a saw
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
a particular situation
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
tattersnounUS /ˈtætərz/
plural of “tatter” — a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
Trask
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
vagabondnounUS /ˈvæɡəbɑːnd/
anything that resembles a vagabond in having no fixed place
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
verandanounUS /vərˈændə/
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
be dressed in
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading "A beggar!" whispered Marjorie, looking past Trask.
a Caucasian
From this reading He looked like a vagabond, in khaki trousers with the bottoms fringed by tatters through which showed his bare ankles; pitiful old cloth shoes; a patched coat of white drill with frogging across the front such as Chinese mess boys wear; and a battered, rimless straw hat.
WinkleverbUS /ˈwɪŋkəl/
emit or reflect light in a flickering manner
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
in the company of; together with
From this reading Trask turned from the table, and saw at the end of the veranda an old man approaching with a package under his arm.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading DINSHAW TELLS OF HIS ISLAND "Here," said Locke, "comes Rip Van Winkle--without his dog."
