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Nicholas Nickleby
Nicholas Nickleby

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby is here in full — 411 sentences across 83 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Nicholas Nickleby
Context Illustration Reading 1/82 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.
After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.
Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.
Get in, Nickleby.’
Nicholas obeyed.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Nicholas Nickleby

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby is here in full — 411 sentences across 83 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/82 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.
Line 2
After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.
Line 3
Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.
Line 4
Get in, Nickleby.’
Line 5
Nicholas obeyed.
/ˈnɪkələs oʊˈbeɪd/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

chaise noun US /ʃeɪz/

a long chair; for reclining

From this reading “After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.”

criterion noun US /kraɪˈtɪriən/

a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated

From this reading “After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.”

hiccup noun US /ˈhɪkəp/

(usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion

From this reading “After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.”

hue noun US /hjuː/

the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading “After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.”

luggage noun US /ˈlʌɡədʒ/

cases used to carry belongings when traveling

From this reading “Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.”

rubbing noun US /ˈrʌbɪŋ/

the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another

From this reading “‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.”

rusty adjective US /ˈrʌsti/

covered with or consisting of rust

From this reading “After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.”

tavern noun US /ˈtævərn/

a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

From this reading “Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.”

All words in this reading · 85

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

amuseverbUS /əˈmjuːz/

occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

barnounUS /bɑːr/

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

cartnounUS /kɑːrt/

a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

chaisenounUS /ʃeɪz/

a long chair; for reclining

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

changedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

coachverbUS /koʊtʃ/

teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

criterionnounUS /kraɪˈtɪriən/

a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

drivenadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪvən/

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

GetverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Get in, Nickleby.’

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

hiccupnounUS /ˈhɪkəp/

(usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

HomenounUS /hoʊm/

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

horsesnounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

huenounUS /hjuː/

the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

labouringadjective

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

landedadjectiveUS /ˈlændəd/

owning or consisting of land or real estate

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

leg-stretching

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

legsnounUS /leɡz/

staying power

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

luggagenounUS /ˈlʌɡədʒ/

cases used to carry belongings when traveling

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

NicholasnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

Nickleby

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

From this reading Get in, Nickleby.’

nosenounUS /noʊz/

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

obeyedverbUS /oʊˈbeɪd/

past form of “obey” — be obedient to

From this reading Nicholas obeyed.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

pony-chaise

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

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

PutverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

ranverbUS /ræn/

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

roadnounUS /roʊd/

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/

the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/

covered with or consisting of rust

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

safelyadverbUS /ˈseɪfli/

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

Squeers

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/

having a supporting base

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

stretchedadjectiveUS /stretʃt/

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

tavernnounUS /ˈtævərn/

a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

thoroughlyadverbUS /ˈθɜːroʊli/

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the leg-stretching process at the bar.

yardnounUS /jɑːrd/

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading After some minutes, he returned, with his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise.

Chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens holds 411 sentences, grouped into 83 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby contain?

Chapter 5 holds 411 sentences of Nicholas Nickleby, unabridged, divided into 83 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 411 sentences, grouped into 83 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 5 of Nicholas Nickleby?

Work through the 83 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 83 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Nicholas Nickleby

Common questions about reading Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Nicholas Nickleby?

Yes. All 14619 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #967 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Nicholas Nickleby is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #967, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Nicholas Nickleby take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2924 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Nicholas Nickleby section by section

How to work through Nicholas Nickleby section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Nicholas Nickleby to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Nicholas Nickleby

Words and structures a reader meets early in Nicholas Nickleby, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Lived
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Nicholas Nickleby; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sequestered
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Nicholas Nickleby; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
County
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Nicholas Nickleby; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Devonshire
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Nicholas Nickleby; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.