used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
apronnounUS /ˈeɪprən/
a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
bristlingverbUS /ˈbrɪsəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “bristle” — be in a state of movement or action
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
conditionedadjectiveUS /kənˈdɪʃənd/
established by conditioning or learning
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading "Why, of course!
courtesiesnounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsiz/
plural of “courtesy” — a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
Cuxson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
erstwhileadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrstwaɪl/
belonging to some prior time
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
at any time
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
a social unit living together
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
heirloomnounUS /ˈerluːm/
(law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
indecision in speech or action
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
Hetth's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
JonathannounUS /ˈdʒɑːnəθən/
red late-ripening apple; primarily eaten raw
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
JuniornounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
kindestadjectiveUS /ˈkaɪndəst/
superlative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
Leonie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
a female domestic
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading They met on the threshold.
middle-agedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəleɪɡd/
being roughly between 45 and 65 years old
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
moment'snounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They met on the threshold.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
plagueverbUS /pleɪɡ/
cause to suffer a blight
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
starchedverbUS /stɑːrtʃt/
past form of “starch” — stiffen with starch
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
SwingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They met on the threshold.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading They met on the threshold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Swinging back the door to let Leonie and her aunt out, Ellen, the middle-aged maid, almost an heirloom in the family of Cuxson, bristling in starched cap and apron, let in the erstwhile plague of her life, but now as ever the light of her eyes, Jonathan Cuxson, Junior.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
unweariedadjective
with unreduced energy
From this reading "The kindest man, The best conditioned and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies."--_Shakespeare_.
at the time that
From this reading He took Lady Hetth's hand in a mighty and painful grip when after a moment's hesitation she introduced herself.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "Why, of course!
