used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
highly skilled
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
asunderadjectiveUS /əˈsʌndər/
widely separated especially in space
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
being joined in close association
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading The Iron Bar.
basils
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
centraladjectiveUS /ˈsentrəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
clankingadjectiveUS /ˈklæŋkɪŋ/
having a hard nonresonant metallic sound
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
being joined in close association
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
dexterousadjective
skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
exertionsnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/
plural of “exertion” — use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
with resolute determination
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
fragmentsnounUS /ˈfræɡmənts/
plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
gyves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
handcuffsnounUS /ˈhændkʌfs/
plural of “handcuff” — shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
the act of retaining something
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
impedingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpiːdɪŋ/
preventing movement
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The Iron Bar.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
jerkverbUS /dʒɜːrk/
pull, or move with a sudden movement
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
staying power
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
linkverbUS /lɪŋk/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
most important element
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
manacles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
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 He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
sappedverbUS /sæpt/
inflected form of “sap” — deplete
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
Sheppard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
squeezingnounUS /ˈskwiːzɪŋ/
the act of gripping and pressing firmly
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
stockingsnounUS /ˈstɑːkɪŋz/
plural of “stocking” — close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Iron Bar.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
bound or secured closely
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Taking off his stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
well-applied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He next twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength, partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central link by which they were attached to the padlock.
wristsnounUS /rɪsts/
plural of “wrist” — a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
From this reading This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles.
