used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
ablutionsnounUS /əˈbluːʃənz/
plural of “ablution” — the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/
not being in a specified place
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
breakfastsnounUS /ˈbrekfəsts/
plural of “breakfast” — the first meal of the day (usually in the morning)
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
without stop or interruption
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
daybreaknounUS /ˈdeɪbreɪk/
the first light of day
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
dependants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
gangnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
and nothing more
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
the act of departing
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
overseernounUS /ˈoʊvərˈsiːər/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
performingnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
plantationnounUS /ˌplænˈteɪʃən/
an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
REORGANIZATIONnounUS /ˌriːɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃən/
the imposition of a new organization; organizing differently (often involving extensive and drastic changes)
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
move upward
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
sablenounUS /ˈseɪbəl/
an artist's brush made of sable hairs
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Scott," said the Doctor, "you shouldn't use that water.
ScottnounUS /skɑːt/
award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
shouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Scott," said the Doctor, "you shouldn't use that water.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
not in physical motion
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the act of using
From this reading "Scott," said the Doctor, "you shouldn't use that water.
VIGORnounUS /ˈvɪɡər/
forceful exertion
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/
the activity of making visits
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading By six o'clock in the morning the Doctor was out visiting the quarters of his sable dependants.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading "Scott," said the Doctor, "you shouldn't use that water.
water-butt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
in or at the place that
From this reading The Major himself was just leaving the water-butt in rear of the plantation house, where he had evidently been performing his morning ablutions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE REORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN LABOR IS CONTINUED WITH VIGOR.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Having on the previous evening told Major Scott, the head man or overseer of the gang, that he should expect the people to rise by daybreak and get their breakfasts immediately, so as to be ready for early work, he was a little astonished to find half of them still asleep, and two or three absent.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Scott," said the Doctor, "you shouldn't use that water.
