used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
AccidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
having companions or an escort
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
borrowedverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊd/
past form of “borrow” — get temporarily
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
decencynounUS /ˈdiːsənsi/
the quality of conforming to standards of propriety and morality
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
decreesnounUS /dɪˈkriːz/
plural of “decree” — a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
deemedverbUS /diːmd/
past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
DestinynounUS /ˈdestəni/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
firearmsnounUS /ˈfaɪərɑːrmz/
plural of “firearm” — a portable gun
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
gaieties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
GypnounUS /dʒɪp/
(sometimes offensive) an act of swindling or cheating
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
harenounUS /her/
swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs; young born furred and with open eyes
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
nicestadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪsɪst/
superlative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
by chance
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
precludedverbUS /prɪˈkluːdɪd/
past form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
providesverbUS /prəˈvaɪdz/
third-person singular of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
retainernounUS /rɪˈteɪnər/
a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
son-in-lawnounUS /ˈsʌnɪnlɔː/
the husband of your daughter
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
spanielnounUS /ˈspænjəl/
any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
stubblenounUS /ˈstʌbəl/
material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
temperedadjectiveUS /ˈtempərd/
made hard or flexible or resilient especially by heat treatment
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading Destiny is a vague term which provides the veil of decency for many secrets, and firearms have often been the chosen instruments of its decrees.
veinnounUS /veɪn/
a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
(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 Accidents have been known to occur, and--but perhaps it is well not to pursue this vein of speculation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
which person or people
From this reading The King borrowed my nicest gun and, accompanied by his son-in-law, our retainer Andrew, and an old field spaniel who answered to the name of Gyp, proceeded to put up a hare or two in the stubble.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading My physical state precluded my raising a gun to my shoulder, but I deemed it wise to be of the party.
the act of creating written works
From this reading THE WRITING ON THE WALL The morning which followed these tempered gaieties was cold and bright.
