Chapter XVI

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

later than; following

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

at or in the front

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

(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 "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

eagerly desirous

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

nut of any of several trees of the genus Corylus

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

weak from exhaustion

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

pleasant-smelling

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

the act of giving

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

depressingly dark

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "Why your honour, I----" "Hold your tongue, sir!"

the state of being honored

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading "Why your honour, I----" "Hold your tongue, sir!"

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

in a joyous and gleeful manner

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

plural of “lark” — North American songbirds having a yellow breast

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

immediately past

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

possessive form of “major” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines; below lieutenant colonel and above captain

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

female equine animal

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

in a joyous manner

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

on one occasion

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

control and direct with or as if by reins

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

having a well-proportioned and pleasing shape

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

with one side forward or to the front

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

marked by absence of sound

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

term of address for a man

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

dependable

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

a drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading "Why your honour, I----" "Hold your tongue, sir!"

past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

in the direction of

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

inflected form of “trot” — run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

inflected form of “trot” — run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

during the time that

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

a Caucasian

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why your honour, I----" "Hold your tongue, sir!"

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

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

in the company of; together with

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

worn and broken down by hard use

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone figure and shook anxious head:

showing curiosity

From this reading "But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so red all at once, "I did but----" "Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!"

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"

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

From this reading "She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you saying, Sergeant Zebedee?"