used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
aren't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
weapons considered collectively
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
see with attention
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
BentonnounUS /ˈbentən/
United States artist whose paintings portrayed life in the Midwest and South (1889-1975)
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
commentedverbUS /ˈkɑːmentəd/
past form of “comment” — make or write a comment on
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
dosenounUS /doʊs/
a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
EelsnounUS /iːlz/
plural of “eel” — the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in Europe and America; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
Ephraim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
opinion or judgment
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
staying power
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
Ma'sh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
moment'snounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
NED'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
outlooknounUS /ˈaʊtlʊk/
a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
a course of conduct
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
picra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
having a point
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
prolongedadjectiveUS /prəˈlɔːŋd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
witty remark
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
scaredadjectiveUS /skerd/
made afraid
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
slickernounUS /ˈslɪkər/
a macintosh made from cotton fabric treated with oil and pigment to make it waterproof
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
that is looked for
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
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 NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading NED'S STORY "Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in surprise.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
twinklingnounUS /ˈtwɪŋkəlɪŋ/
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
(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 "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading "Here they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is more than I can see."
where's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
whitheradverbUS /ˈwɪðər/
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and reported:
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for I--I---- You see----" "Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"
