adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
announceverbUS /əˈnaʊns/
make known; make an announcement
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
arrivalnounUS /ərˈaɪvəl/
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
articlesnounUS /ˈɑːrtəkəlz/
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
blewverbUS /bluː/
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
Carminster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
cathedralnounUS /kəˈθiːdrəl/
any large and important church
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
citynounUS /ˈsɪti/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
coatnounUS /koʊt/
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
coffee-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
colonialadjectiveUS /kəˈloʊniəl/
of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
comingnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋ/
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
countrymannounUS /ˈkʌntrimən/
a man from your own country
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
croupenoun
the part of an animal that corresponds to the human buttocks
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
delayverbUS /dɪˈleɪ/
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
ennounUS /en/
half the width of an em
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
frankedverbUS /fræŋkt/
past form of “frank” — stamp with a postmark to indicate date and time of mailing
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
freightnounUS /freɪt/
goods carried by a large vehicle
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
GAYadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
gazettes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
GeneraladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
hatnounUS /hæt/
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
highwaymen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
hornnounUS /hɔːrn/
a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
horsenounUS /hɔːrs/
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
hugeadjectiveUS /hjuːdʒ/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
immenseadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmens/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
jackboots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
LettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
liableadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪəbəl/
at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
MembernounUS /ˈmembər/
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
mirenounUS /maɪr/
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
newsnounUS /nuːz/
information about recent and important events
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
newslettersnounUS /ˈnuːzletərz/
plural of “newsletter” — report or open letter giving informal or confidential news of interest to a special group
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
oiledadjectiveUS /ɔɪld/
treated with oil
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
packverbUS /pæk/
arrange in a container
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
ParliamentnounUS /ˈpɑːrləmənt/
a legislative assembly in certain countries
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
portionnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃən/
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
PostverbUS /poʊst/
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
rareadjectiveUS /rer/
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
readsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “read” — something that is read
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
rednounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
rodeverbUS /roʊd/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
scrapsnounUS /skræps/
food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
snowsnounUS /snoʊz/
plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
SpecialadjectiveUS /ˈspeʃəl/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
speedsnounUS /spiːdz/
plural of “speed” — distance travelled per unit time
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
steamernounUS /ˈstiːmər/
a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/
dependable
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
supportnounUS /səˈpɔːrt/
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
TakesnounUS /teɪks/
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
weeknounUS /wiːk/
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
