AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
ablutionsnounUS /əˈbluːʃənz/
plural of “ablution” — the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
ambitionnounUS /æmˈbɪʃən/
a cherished desire
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
BOWnounUS /baʊ/
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
BOYnounUS /bɔɪ/
a youthful male person
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
bristlesnounUS /ˈbrɪsəlz/
plural of “bristle” — a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
brushmaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
bunchesnounUS /ˈbʌntʃəz/
plural of “bunch” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
BYprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
cabinet-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
CHOICEnounUS /tʃɔɪs/
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
dabverbUS /dæb/
apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
deftlyadverbUS /ˈdeftli/
with dexterity; in a dexterous manner
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
DRAWINGnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
expressedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsprest/
communicated in words
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
fagots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
familiaradjectiveUS /fəˈmɪljər/
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
favorverbUS /ˈfeɪvər/
promote over another
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
GIOTTOnoun
Florentine painter who gave up the stiff Byzantine style and developed a more naturalistic style; considered the greatest Italian painter prior to the Renaissance (1267-1337)
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
HEARTnounUS /hɑːrt/
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
hearth-brush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
holesnounUS /hoʊlz/
plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
HomenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
hotadjectiveUS /hɑːt/
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
HOURnounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
JANnounUS /dʒæn/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
Jan'snounUS /dʒænz/
possessive form of “jan” — the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
joinernounUS /ˈdʒɔɪnər/
a person who likes to join groups
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
leastadjectiveUS /liːst/
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
LEGGEDadjectiveUS /ˈleɡəd/
having legs of a specified kind or number
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
life-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
opinionnounUS /əˈpɪnjən/
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
pitchnounUS /pɪtʃ/
the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
prescribedadjectiveUS /priˈskraɪbd/
set down as a rule or guide
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
produceverbUS /prəˈduːs/
bring forth or yield
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
RECREATIONnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
satisfyverbUS /ˈsætəsfaɪ/
meet the requirements or expectations of
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It must be amusing to dab little bunches of bristles so deftly into little holes with hot pitch as to produce a hearth-brush, but as a life-work it does not satisfy ambition.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
superintendentnounUS /ˌsuːpərənˈtendənt/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
tradesnounUS /treɪdz/
plural of “trade” — the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading Of such trades as were open to him in the Home Jan inclined to cabinet-making.
vocationnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃən/
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
VOCATIONSnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “vocation” — the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading A CHOICE OF VOCATIONS.—RECREATION HOUR.—THE BOW LEGGED BOY.—DRAWING BY HEART.—GIOTTO.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
wastedadjectiveUS /ˈweɪstɪd/
serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading JAN found favor with his new friends.
wood-chopping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The master’s sharp eyes noted that the prescribed ablutions seemed both pleasant and familiar to the new boy, and the superintendent of the wood-chopping department expressed his opinion that Jan’s intelligence and dexterity were wasted among the fagots, and that his vocation was to be a brushmaker at least, if not a joiner.
