used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
agilitynounUS /əˈdʒɪləti/
the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
cabinsnounUS /ˈkæbənz/
plural of “cabin” — small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
chewinks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
cluckingnounUS /ˈklʌkɪŋ/
the sound made by a hen (as in calling her chicks)
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
cottonnounUS /ˈkɑːtən/
soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
dabverbUS /dæb/
apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
departingverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
diminuendonoun
(music) a gradual decrease in loudness
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
epitomenounUS /ɪˈpɪtəmi/
a standard or typical example
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
fernsnounUS /fɜːrnz/
plural of “fern” — any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
flashingnounUS /ˈflæʃɪŋ/
a short vivid experience
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
FlittingverbUS /ˈflɪtɪŋ/
inflected form of “flit” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
hen-partridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
hoppedverbUS /hɑːpt/
inflected form of “hop” — jump lightly
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
intrudernounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːdər/
someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
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 His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
not any; not one
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
obliqueadjectiveUS /əˈbliːk/
slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
a course of conduct
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
pausingverbUS /ˈpɔːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
rabbitnounUS /ˈræbət/
any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
running-down-clock-works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
scurriedverbUS /ˈskɜːrid/
inflected form of “scurry” — to move about or proceed hurriedly
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
shadyadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdi/
quiet, dark, or concealed
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
be seated
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
squirrelnounUS /ˈskwɜːrəl/
a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
stifflyadverbUS /ˈstɪfli/
in a stiff manner
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
straighteradjectiveUS /ˈstreɪtər/
comparative of “straight” — successive (without a break)
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
sun-patches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
tensenounUS /tens/
a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
unruffledadjectiveUS /ənˈrʌfəld/
free from emotional agitation or nervous tension
From this reading The hen-partridge, unruffled and tense, stretched her neck straighter, but gave no sign of departing.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A rabbit hopped leisurely along the shady path, stopping at intervals to sit up.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His left oblique into the bushes, as David came nearer, was a flashing epitome of startled agility, and as the dab of cotton on the rear end of the epitome disappeared, David laughed.
whitethroats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Farther on, a noisy squirrel filled the woods with his running-down-clock-works diminuendo as the intruder passed him.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Flitting whitethroats and chewinks shot in and out of the sun-patches of the May woods, and a hen-partridge stood stiffly on the end of a log, clucking to the young brood that scurried through the ferns, as David, pausing frequently as though looking for some one, came down the trail from the three cabins.
