used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
despiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
encasedadjectiveUS /enˈkeɪst/
covered or protected with or as if with a case
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
endeavornounUS /ɪnˈdevər/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
FRONTIERnounUS /frənˈtɪr/
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
high-heeled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
horsemen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
idiosyncrasynounUS /ˌɪdioʊˈsɪnkrəsiː/
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
ill-fittingadjective
not the right size or shape
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
indicatesverbUS /ˈɪndɪkeɪts/
third-person singular of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
irritatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtəd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
Lefever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
Lefever's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
meditativeadjectiveUS /ˈmedəteɪtɪv/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
preferablyadverbUS /ˈprefərəbli/
more readily or willingly
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
rotundadjectiveUS /roʊˈtʌnd/
spherical in shape
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
sidewiseadverbUS /ˈsaɪdwaɪz/
toward one side
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
be seated
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
stubbyadjectiveUS /ˈstʌbi/
short and blunt
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
tea-kettle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
in or at that place or location
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
tightadjectiveUS /taɪt/
closely constrained or constricted or constricting
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
tolerateverbUS /ˈtɑːləreɪt/
put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading This idiosyncrasy his companion, de Spain, had learned to tolerate.
unobtrusiveadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/
not obtrusive or undesirably noticeable
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
under normal conditions
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FRONTIER DAY Lefever, if there was a table in the room, could never be got to sit on a chair; and being rotund he sat preferably sidewise on the edge of the table.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One of his small feet--his feet were encased in tight, high-heeled, ill-fitting horsemen's boots--usually rested on the floor, the other swung at the end of his stubby leg slowly in the air.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading But Lefever's subdued whistle, which seemed meditative, always irritated de Spain more or less, despite his endeavor not to be irritated.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was like the low singing of a tea-kettle, which, however unobtrusive, indicates steam within.
