used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
in the past
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
BreechesnounUS /ˈbriːtʃɪz/
(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
Bustlers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
capricenounUS /kəˈpriːs/
a sudden desire
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
capriciousadjectiveUS /kəˈprɪʃəs/
changeable
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
ColoursnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a distinguishing emblem
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
CostumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
countrymennounUS /ˈkʌntrimɪn/
plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
put on clothes
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
one or the other of two
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
exaggerationnounUS /ɪɡˌzædʒərˈeɪʃən/
extravagant exaggeration
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
FashionsnounUS /ˈfæʃənz/
plural of “fashion” — how something is done or how it happens
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
GrecianadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːʃən/
of or relating to or characteristic of Greece or the Greeks or the Greek language
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
an established custom
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
Hair-dressing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
half-hour's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
HoopsnounUS /huːps/
a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
incredibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredəbəl/
beyond belief or understanding
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
InventorsnounUS /ˌɪnˈventərz/
plural of “inventor” — someone who is the first to think of or make something
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
lacingnoun
a small amount of liquor added to a food or beverage
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
Leathern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
Merry-Thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
MusingnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪŋ/
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
PadsnounUS /pædz/
plural of “pad” — a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
coated with paint
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
raimentnoun
especially fine or decorative clothing
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
Rumps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
satiristnounUS /ˈsætərəst/
a humorist who uses ridicule and irony and sarcasm
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
school-boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
shearsnounUS /ʃiːrz/
large scissors with strong blades
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
a particular situation
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
having a supporting base
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
express in words
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading These people have always been thus capricious.
closely constrained or constricted or constricting
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
TotalverbUS /ˈtoʊtəl/
add up in number or quantity
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
TurkishadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrkɪʃ/
of or relating to or characteristic of Turkey or its people or language
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
undergoesverbUS /ˈʌndərɡoʊz/
third-person singular of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/
marked by dissimilarity
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
be dressed in
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
(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 _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
at the time that
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Above two centuries ago a satirist here painted one of his countrymen standing naked, with a pair of shears in one hand, and a piece of cloth in the other, saying I am an Englishman, and naked I stand here, Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear, For now I will wear this, and now I will wear that, And now I will wear I cannot tell what.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading When J. was a school-boy every body wore leathern breeches, which were made so tight that it was a good half-hour's work to get them on the first time.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
a late time of life
From this reading Every part of the dress, from head to foot, undergoes such frequent changes, that the English costume is at present as totally unlike what it was thirty years ago, as it is to the Grecian or Turkish habit.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _Fashion.—Total Change in the English Costume.—Leathern Breeches.— Shoes.—Boots.—Inventors of new Fashions.—Colours.—Female Fashions.— Tight lacing.—Hair-dressing.—Hoops.—Bustlers.—Rumps.—Merry-Thoughts and Pads._ The caprice of fashion in this country would appear incredible to you, if you did not know me too well to suspect me either of invention or exaggeration.
