used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
(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 If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
anguishnounUS /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/
extreme mental distress
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
appreciateverbUS /əˈpriːʃieɪt/
recognize with gratitude; be grateful for
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
aspennounUS /ˈæspən/
any of several trees of the genus Populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
barringnounUS /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/
the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
boraxnounUS /ˈbɔːræks/
an ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate; used as a flux or cleansing agent
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
brought into existence
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
cheesenounUS /tʃiːz/
a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
Chloe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
coyadjectiveUS /kɔɪ/
affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
cunningadjectiveUS /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
DEDICATIONnounUS /ˌdedəˈkeɪʃən/
complete and wholehearted fidelity
From this reading ―――― A DEDICATION.
defectiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈfektɪv/
having a defect
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
dosesnounUS /ˈdoʊsəz/
plural of “dos” — the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
move gently or carefully
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
eelnounUS /iːl/
the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in Europe and America; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
one or the other of two
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
divisible by two
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
exclamationnounUS /ˌekskləˈmeɪʃən/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
ginghamnounUS /ˈɡɪŋəm/
a clothing fabric in a plaid weave
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
graspsnounUS /ɡræsps/
plural of “grasp” — understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
hoarsenessnounUS /ˈhɔːrsnəs/
a throaty harshness
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
ineffectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəˈfektʃuːəl/
not producing an intended effect
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
jadenounUS /dʒeɪd/
a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
linseednounUS /ˈlɪnsiːd/
the seed of flax used as a source of oil
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
managingverbUS /ˈmænədʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
nimbleadjectiveUS /ˈnɪmbəl/
moving quickly and lightly
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
nuisancenounUS /ˈnuːsəns/
(law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs the reasonable use of your property or endangers life and health or is offensive
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
pinsnounUS /pɪnz/
plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
poeticadjectiveUS /poʊˈetɪk/
of or relating to poetry
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
potionsnounUS /ˈpoʊʃənz/
plural of “potion” — a medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
poulticesnounUS /ˈpoʊltəsɪz/
plural of “poultice” — a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/
a shaky motion
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
raidverbUS /reɪd/
search without warning, make a sudden surprise attack on
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
shoppingnounUS /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ/
searching for or buying goods or services
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
slyadjectiveUS /slaɪ/
marked by skill in deception
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
squeezeverbUS /skwiːz/
to compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
a state of acute pain
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
thoraxnounUS /ˈθɔːræks/
the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
thou'rt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
UncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
Unequall'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
variableadjectiveUS /ˈveriəbəl/
liable to or capable of change
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
precisely as stated
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
at the time that
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
wherewith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading “But, on the whole, Chloe is a good wife.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading If I have a cold she dresses me in linseed poultices, and doses me with all kinds of potions; and even in my suffering I can appreciate the poetic exclamation―― “Oh, woman! in our hours of ease, Impatient, coy, and hard to please: As ineffectual as the shade By a defective gingham made: As difficult wherewith to deal As any sly and cunning eel; But, oh! when hoarseness grasps the thorax, How nimble, thou, with soothing borax!”
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
wringverbUS /rɪŋ/
twist and press out of shape
From this reading Unequall’d too at making cheese―― And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; And “very able,” too thou jade, In managing a shopping raid―― When pain and anguish wring the brow, Well, one of two things then art thou: That is, thou’rt either a born nurse; Or else a nuisance, if not worse!
but in spite of that
From this reading O woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, Yet, barring pins, how soft to squeeze!
