used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
(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 Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
completely unclothed
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
beanstalknoun
stem of a bean plant
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
blossomverbUS /ˈblɑːsəm/
produce or yield flowers
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
a period of 100 years
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
children's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
copsenoun
a dense growth of bushes
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
dyingadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪɪŋ/
in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
frostsnounUS /frɔːsts/
plural of “frost” — ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
haymownoun
a mass of hay piled up in a barn for preservation
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
hazeladjectiveUS /ˈheɪzəl/
of a light brown or yellowish brown color
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
ten 10s
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
Jack'snounUS /dʒæks/
possessive form of “jack” — a small worthless amount
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
Jay'snounUS /dʒeɪz/
possessive form of “jay” — United States diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with Britain and served as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1829)
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
Mammynoun
an offensive term for a Black nursemaid in the southern U.S.
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
nippedverbUS /nɪpt/
inflected form of “nip” — squeeze tightly between the fingers
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
not any; not one
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
nutsadjectiveUS /nʌts/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
persimmons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
plantverbUS /plænt/
put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
ripeningnounUS /ˈraɪpənɪŋ/
coming to full development; becoming mature
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
SainthoodnounUS /ˈseɪnthʊd/
saints collectively
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
saintsnounUS /seɪnts/
plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
shiververbUS /ˈʃɪvər/
tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
in the near future
From this reading Mammy soon lost all her fears of John Jay's dying.
stem-life
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
sweeteningnounUS /ˈswiːtənɪŋ/
something added to foods to make them taste sweeter
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
thinlyadverbUS /ˈθɪnli/
without force or sincere effort
From this reading The October frosts came, sweetening the persimmons and ripening the nuts in the hazel copse; but it nipped the children's bare feet, and made the thinly clad little shoulders shiver.
thornyadjectiveUS /ˈθɔːrni/
bristling with perplexities
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Boys do not grow into saints in a single night, in the way that Jack's beanstalk grew from earth to sky.
weathercocknoun
weathervane with a vane in the form of a rooster
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
at the time that
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Although the promise made to George on the haymow was faithfully kept, he could no more avoid getting into mischief than a weathercock can keep from turning when the wind blows.
a late time of life
From this reading Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.
