Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

(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 He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

the two together, not just one

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

the top edge of a vessel or other container

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

lacking funds

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

one or the other of two

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

opinion or judgment

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

a boy or man

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

a man of refinement

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

the act of departing

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

plural of “helper” — a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

someone who hunts game

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

defeat someone through trickery or deceit

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

staying power

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

above and across; more than

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

a fabric woven with flecks of light and dark

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

skillful performance or ability without difficulty

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

make short successive sounds

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

to a remarkable degree or extent

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

move hurridly

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

express in words

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

light soft moderately strong wood of spruce trees; used especially for timbers and millwork

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

precisely as stated

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He was a clean-shaved, close-trimmed, spruce little fellow; remarkably natty about the legs--indeed, all over.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

which person or people

From this reading A SWELL HUNTSMAN One evening the rattle of Puff's pole-chains brought, in addition to the usual rush of shirt-sleeved helpers, an extremely smart, dapper little man, who might be either a jockey or a gentleman, or both, or neither.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.

marked by wrinkles

From this reading His face, though somewhat wrinkled and weather-beaten, was bright and healthy; and there was a twinkle about his little grey eyes that spoke of quickness and watchful observation.

a late time of life

From this reading His close-napped hat was carefully brushed, and what little hair appeared below its slightly curved brim was of the pepper-and-salt mixture of--say, fifty years.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Altogether, he was a very quick-looking little man--a sort of man that would know what you were going to say before you had well broke ground.