Chapter V · Chapter 5

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

later than; following

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

propose a payment

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

the largest city in Vermont; located in northwestern Vermont on Lake Champlain; site of the University of Vermont

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

English playwright remembered for his comedies (1670-1729)

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

gotten under control

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

English general and statesman who led the parliamentary army in the English Civil War (1599-1658)

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

a specially long, formal letter

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

an act that fails

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

a narrow way or road

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

march in a procession

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

not any; not one

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

not one, and not any

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

past form of “occasion” — give occasion to

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

of or relating to a pastor

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

the head of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

precisely, exactly

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

Identical; not different.

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

cut with a saw

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

of or relating to the theater

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

something of small importance

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

not yet having been ascertained or determined

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

unshaken in purpose

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; during Roman times the region was known as Cambria

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Pope saw the play and wrote about it to Congreve, March 19th, 1715: "The farce of 'The What D'ye Call It' has occasioned many different speculations in the town, some looking upon it as a mere jest upon the tragic poets, others as a satire upon the late war.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading 1715-1719 "The What D'ye Call It"--An Epistle to the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington--"Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London"--"Three Hours After Marriage."

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Mr. Cromwell, hearing none of the words, and seeing the action to be tragical, was much astonished to find the audience laugh, and says the Prince and Princess [of Wales] must doubtless be under no less amazement on the same account.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading In the preface Gay wrote: "I have not called it a tragedy, comedy, pastoral, or farce, but left the name entirely undetermined in the doubtful appellation of 'The What D'ye Call It' ... but I added to it 'A Tragi-Comi-Pastoral Farce,' as it contained all these several kinds of drama."

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Undismayed by the failure of his first play, "The Wife of Bath," Gay made another bid for theatrical success with "The What D'ye Call It," which was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in February, 1715, and published in March of that year.