aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
(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 Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
answeringadjectiveUS /ˈænsərɪŋ/
replying
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
boatmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
breezesnounUS /ˈbriːzɪz/
plural of “breeze” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
commotionnounUS /kəˈmoʊʃən/
a disorderly outburst or tumult
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
contr'alto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
COWPERnounUS /ˈkaʊpər/
English surgeon who discovered Cowper's gland (1666-1709)
From this reading COWPER.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
drownedverbUS /draʊnd/
past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
embarkverbUS /emˈbɑːrk/
go on board
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
floatverbUS /floʊt/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
footmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
harpernounUS /ˈhɑːrpər/
someone who plays the harp
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
hoistverbUS /hɔɪst/
raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
indefatigableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbəl/
showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
invadeverbUS /ˌɪnˈveɪd/
march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
lavenderadjectiveUS /ˈlævəndər/
of a pale purple color
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
liquidadjectiveUS /ˈlɪkwəd/
existing as or having characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
maritimeadjectiveUS /ˈmerətaɪm/
relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
Meely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
mistressesnounUS /ˈmɪstrəsəz/
plural of “mistress” — an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
murmuringnounUS /ˈmɜːrmərɪŋ/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
not any; not one
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
nobilitynounUS /noʊˈbɪləti/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
packetnounUS /ˈpækət/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
the work of a sailor
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
savourverb
have flavor; taste of something
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
screamingadjectiveUS /ˈskriːmɪŋ/
so extremely intense as to evoke screams
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
sprinkleverbUS /ˈsprɪŋkəl/
distribute loosely
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
streamersnounUS /ˈstriːmərz/
plural of “streamer” — light that streams
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
strewverbUS /struː/
spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
SullivannounUS /ˈsʌləvən/
United States architect known for his steel framed skyscrapers and for coining the phrase “form follows function” (1856-1924)
From this reading Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all the murmuring crowd:--"Meely!
sweetsnounUS /swiːts/
plural of “sweet” — English phonetician; one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912)
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
undistinguishedadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/
not special in any way; lacking distinction
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
uproarnounUS /ˈʌprɔːr/
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded about the inn door.
wantonverbUS /ˈwɔːntən/
waste time; spend one's time idly or inefficiently
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets, That no rude savour maritime invade The nose of nice nobility.
