used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
bowersnounUS /ˈbaʊərz/
plural of “bower” — a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
cricketernoun
an athlete who plays cricket
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
daintilyadverbUS /ˈdeɪntəliː/
in a dainty and fastidious manner
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
wanted intensely
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
dressingnounUS /ˈdresɪŋ/
savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
evening'snounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
possessive form of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
Grigson's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
lawnnounUS /lɔːn/
a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
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 Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
ManornounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
held or filled or in use
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
PICNICnounUS /ˈpɪknɪk/
a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering
From this reading THE PICNIC.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
programmenounUS /ˈproʊɡræm/
an announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
reclusenounUS /rɪˈkluːs/
one who lives in solitude
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
shellnounUS /ʃel/
ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
young nobleman attendant on a knight
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PICNIC.
Tincroft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
Tincroft's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
unequaladjectiveUS /əˈniːkwəl/
poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading AS bright a day as could be desired opened upon Richard Grigson's picnic.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So the morning was occupied in setting out tables, forms, and chairs on the lawn, in daintily dressing up bowers, and, finally, in drawing up a programme for the evening's entertainment.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Determined that for one day at least his recluse guest should be drawn out of his shell, the hospitable master of the Manor House declared himself unequal to the task of making preparation for his visitors without John Tincroft's help.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Are you much of a cricketer, Tincroft?" demanded the squire.
