used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
at or in the front
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
(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 Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
campaignnounUS /kæmˈpeɪn/
a race between candidates for elective office
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
cupboardnounUS /ˈkʌbərd/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
Dex-Mayo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
embarkingverbUS /emˈbɑːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “embark” — go on board
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
helpmeetnoun
a helpful partner
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
husbandsnounUS /ˈhʌzbəndz/
plural of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
Molloy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
Molloy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
moment'snounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
MoppingnounUS /ˈmɑːpɪŋ/
cleaning with a mop
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
musedverbUS /mjuːzd/
past form of “muse” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
necessitateverbUS /nəˈsesəteɪt/
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
prudentadjectiveUS /ˈpruːdənt/
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
receivernounUS /rəˈsiːvər/
set that receives radio or tv signals
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
resolveverbUS /riˈzɑːlv/
bring to an end; settle conclusively
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
precisely, exactly
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
scaldedverbUS /ˈskɔːldɪd/
past form of “scald” — subject to harsh criticism
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
sketchingverbUS /ˈsketʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “sketch” — make a sketch of
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
skippingverbUS /ˈskɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “skip” — bypass
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
SoapyadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊpi/
resembling or having the qualities of soap
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
not in physical motion
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Mopping his fine forehead, for it had been warm in the cupboard with the door shut, he stood for a while and mused, sketching out in his mind a plan of campaign.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Like all good husbands, he felt that his wife was an example and an inspiration to him.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The prudent man, before embarking on any enterprise which may at a moment's notice necessitate his skipping away from a given spot like a scalded cat, will always begin by preparing his lines of retreat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I Soapy Molloy replaced the receiver, and came out of the telephone cupboard glowing with the resolve to go right ahead and clean up as his helpmeet had directed.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Mr. Molloy's first act was to go to the stable yard in order to ascertain with his own eyes that the Dex-Mayo was still there.
