used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
BaldwinnounUS /ˈbɔːldwən/
United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
Baldwin'snounUS /ˈbɔːldwənz/
possessive form of “baldwin” — United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
bankruptcynounUS /ˈbæŋkrəpsi/
a state of complete lack of some abstract property
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
bartendernounUS /ˈbɑːrtendər/
an employee who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
bestowingverbUS /bɪˈstoʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “bestow” — present
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
bossnounUS /bɑːs/
a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
capacitynounUS /kəˈpæsəti/
capability to perform or produce
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
catspaw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
distributedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɪbjətəd/
spread out or scattered about or divided up
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
economynounUS /ɪˈkɑːnəmi/
the system of production and distribution and consumption
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
favorsnounUS /ˈfeɪvərz/
plural of “favor” — an act of gracious kindness
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
financialadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/
involving financial matters
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
a person of German nationality
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
the force of workers available
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
NetnounUS /net/
a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
patronagenounUS /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
patronizingadjectiveUS /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
personallyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrsənəli/
as yourself
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
pompousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːmpəs/
puffed up with vanity
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
questionableadjectiveUS /ˈkwestʃənəbəl/
subject to question
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
representingverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
richesnounUS /ˈrɪtʃəz/
an abundance of material possessions and resources
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
move upward
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
saloonnounUS /səˈluːn/
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
up to a particular time
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Baldwin's rise to riches and to a certain degree of power had been a strange one.
arousing affect
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
utilitiesnounUS /juːˈtɪlətiz/
plural of “utility” — a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
vergenounUS /vɜːrdʒ/
a region marking a boundary
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading Certain wealthy men and some others interested in public utilities had seen in Baldwin a proper catspaw, and, in a small way, had used him in politics.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
which person or people
From this reading He had been a bartender, and had by a certain selfish economy and "touching the till" acquired sufficient money to purchase the saloon in which he was employed from the honest German who had trusted him almost to the verge of bankruptcy.
WilliamsnounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/
United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)
From this reading _Williams Caught in the Net_ Baldwin, by nature, was pompous and patronizing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In his capacity as political boss, representing certain more or less questionable financial interests, he distributed political patronage with an air of one bestowing great favors personally.
