used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
blushingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
canenounUS /keɪn/
a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
Cap'n
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
chumpnounUS /tʃʌmp/
a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
compelsverbUS /kəmˈpelz/
third-person singular of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
encumberedadjectiveUS /enˈkʌmbərd/
loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
excellencynounUS /ˈekˈslensi/
a title used to address dignitaries (such as ambassadors or governors); usually preceded by “Your” or “His” or “Her”
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
greetverbUS /ɡriːt/
express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
HavananounUS /həˈvænə/
the capital and largest city of Cuba; located in western Cuba; one of the oldest cities in the Americas
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
hobnobverbUS /ˈhɑːbnɑːb/
rub elbows with
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
incog-nit-o
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
jauntilyadverbUS /ˈdʒɔːntəli/
in a jaunty fashionable manner
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
and nothing more
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
learnsverbUS /lɜːrnz/
third-person singular of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
LeftynounUS /ˈlefti/
a person who uses the left hand with greater skill than the right
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
LockenounUS /lɑːk/
English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
MILLIONnounUS /ˈmɪljən/
the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
modestynounUS /ˈmɑːdəsti/
freedom from vanity or conceit
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
modicumnounUS /ˈmɑːdɪkəm/
a small or moderate or token amount
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
and nothing more
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
overcoatnounUS /ˈoʊvərkoʊt/
a heavy coat worn over clothes in winter
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
plaidnounUS /plæd/
a cloth having a crisscross design
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
puffingnounUS /ˈpʌfɪŋ/
blowing tobacco smoke out into the air
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
raglannoun
a garment (coat or sweater) that has raglan sleeves
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
swarthyadjectiveUS /ˈswɔːrði/
naturally having skin of a dark color
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
a special situation
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
twirledverbUS /twɜːrld/
past form of “twirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
at the time that
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
which person or people
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
Wiley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm the real thing, the only and original Cap'n Wiley.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading When Lefty learns that I am here he will fly like a bird to greet me.
in the company of; together with
From this reading ONE IN A MILLION The clerk of the Great Eastern surveyed with interest the swarthy small man in the bright green suit and the plaid raglan overcoat, who leaned an elbow on the desk and jauntily twirled a light cane, puffing at an excellent Havana cigar.
yearningnounUS /ˈjɜːrnɪŋ/
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading It is frequently embarrassing to be encumbered by fame, and my modesty often compels me to travel incog-nit-o; but just now, having a yearning desire to hobnob with my old college chump, Lefty Locke, I am blushingly compelled to reveal my identity.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Beyond a modicum of a doubt you have me, your excellency," said the stranger.
