Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

failing to accomplish an intended result

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

later than; following

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

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

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

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

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

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

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

fearless and daring

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

a man who has recently been married

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

object formed by a mold

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

-ing form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

a farm where dairy products are produced

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

the first light of day

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

dearly loved

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

cause to become detached or separated; take off

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

coming to maturity

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

go or come after and bring or take back

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

plural of “good” — benefit

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

small freshwater fish of South America and the West Indies; often kept in aquariums

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

having or involving the use of hands

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

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

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

(of persons) taken advantage of

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

introducing a different topic

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

filled with a great quantity

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

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

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

used to form the superlative

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

in an officious manner

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

past form of “pocket” — put in one's pocket

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

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

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

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

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

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

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

expressing extreme contempt

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

with speed

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

a measuring instrument or device for keeping time

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

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

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

during the time that

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

which person or people

From this reading After all it was the ill-used Abel Guppy who looked most foolish as he made his way to the door, loaded with his various goods, the relatives of bride and bridegroom casting scornful glances at him as he passed.

-ing form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion

From this reading BLACKBIRD'S INSPIRATION "What be lookin' at?" inquired Mrs. Bold, emerging from her dairy, and incidentally wiping her hands on a corner of her apron.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

plural of “yard” — 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 Before he had proceeded twenty yards Sam ran after him with the bank-book, which the other pocketed without a word, while the bridegroom returned to the house, rubbing his hands and chuckling.

officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch

From this reading Encumbered as he was with newly-regained possessions, the yeoman had made but abortive attempts to detach the timepiece; and Sam, with a dawning grin on his countenance, now mounted on a chair, officiously held by one of the guests, and speedily handed it down.

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

From this reading Jenny was already seated at the head of the table and received him with a gracious smile:-- "If you'll fetch another plate, Sam, my dear," she remarked, "I can begin for to cut the cake."