1890
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
Baxter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
BEVERLY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
blizzardnounUS /ˈblɪzərd/
a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
brought into existence
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
campedverbUS /kæmpt/
past form of “camp” — live in or as if in a tent
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
a young person of either sex
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
citizensnounUS /ˈsɪtəzənz/
plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
civicadjectiveUS /ˈsɪvɪk/
of or relating or belonging to a city
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
ETC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
GRAUSTARK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
GWYNnounUS /ɡwɪn/
Celtic underworld god
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
gypsiesnounUS /ˈdʒɪpsiz/
plural of “gypsy” — a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
heretoforeadverbUS /ˌhɪrtəˈfɔːr/
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
of great significance or value
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
journeyingnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrniɪŋ/
the act of traveling from one place to another
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
juniornounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
misfortunesnounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
a particular point in time
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
ninetiesnounUS /ˈnaɪntiz/
the decade from 1890 to 1899
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
nomadsnounUS /ˈnoʊmædz/
plural of “nomad” — a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
OlivernounUS /ˈɑːləvər/
United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
overtakenverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪkən/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
plightnounUS /plaɪt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
on the contrary
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
respondverbUS /rɪˈspɑːnd/
show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
Rumley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
SHERRYnounUS /ˈʃeri/
dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere; usually drunk as an aperitif
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
shiveringnounUS /ˈʃɪvərɪŋ/
a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading First off, Rumley was a very small place at the beginning of the ’nineties.
solelyadverbUS /ˈsoʊəli/
without any others being included or involved
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
southwardadverbUS /ˈsaʊθwərd/
toward the south
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
swampverbUS /swɑːmp/
drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
unexampledadjective
having no previous example or precedent or parallel
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
unseasonableadjective
not in keeping with (and usually undesirable for) the season
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
precisely as stated
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
vileadjectiveUS /vaɪl/
morally reprehensible
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
VIOLAnounUS /vaɪˈoʊlə/
any of the numerous plants of the genus Viola
From this reading AUTHOR OF “BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK,” “SHERRY,” “VIOLA GWYN,” ETC.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Oliver Baxter, junior, was born on a vile October day in 1890—at seven o’clock in the morning, to be exact.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading People were more concerned over the plight of a band of gypsies, camped on the edge of the swamp below the Baxter house, however, than they were over the birth of Oliver, although he was a very important child.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The gypsies, journeying southward, had been overtaken by an unexampled and unseasonable blizzard, and citizens of Rumley, in whom curiosity rather than pity had been excited by the misfortunes of the shivering nomads, neglected for the moment that civic pride which heretofore had never failed to respond to any increase in population as provided solely by nature.
