Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
ancestors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
belly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
bloodnounUS /blood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
bone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
cat-fish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
ceased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
cellar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
conjurer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
damp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
day-light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
fence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
forced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
forever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
gather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
hanging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
horse's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
lane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
laughed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
led
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
lucky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
mark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
mold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
negro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
pour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
powder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
prevail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
rag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
rain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
reading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
remain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
reproachfully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
rise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
sack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to myself I said that it would be better for me if darkness should remain forever upon the earth.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
sewed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
snake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
speculation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
spit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
Steve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
sun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
superstitions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
thrown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
tiresome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
tooth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
tricks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/
at any time that; every time that
From this reading I had thought that my reading had led me away from the superstitions of my negro ancestors; long ago I had thrown away the lucky bone taken from the head of a cat-fish; I had ceased to make a cross mark in the road and spit in it whenever I found that I had forgotten something and was forced to turn back; I did not believe that the hanging of a dead snake across the fence, belly up, would make it rain; I had laughed at old Steve when he told me that a horse's tooth, ground to powder and carried sewed up in a sack, would prevail against the tricks of the conjurer.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But why should I long for the sun to rise to pour light upon the blood in the lane?
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the hours were so tiresome and the world was so reproachfully still.
Wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Would day-light never come was a speculation that lay upon my mind until it seemed to gather mold, like a rag in a damp cellar.
