used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
accordedverbUS /əˈkɔːrdɪd/
past form of “accord” — go together
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
alightverbUS /əˈlaɪt/
to come to rest, settle
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
cocklesnounUS /ˈkɑːkəlz/
plural of “cockle” — common edible European bivalve
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
ConicaladjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnɪkəl/
relating to or resembling a cone
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
daybreaknounUS /ˈdeɪbreɪk/
the first light of day
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
the act of discovering something
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
divisible by two
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
exchangedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒd/
changed for (replaced by) something different
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
a boy or man
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
fishing-rod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
set up or found
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
Gripper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
gulletnounUS /ˈɡʌlət/
the passage between the pharynx and the stomach
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
HEARSverbUS /hiːrz/
third-person singular of “hear” — perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
humours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
immediately past
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
staying power
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
march in a procession
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
moroselyadverb
in a morose manner
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
mud-lark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
information about recent and important events
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
nightcapnoun
an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime; often alcoholic
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
not any; not one
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
keep busy with
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
and nothing more
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
premisesnounUS /ˈpreməsəz/
land and the buildings on it
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
proddedverbUS /ˈprɑːdɪd/
inflected form of “prod” — to push against gently
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
the possibility of future success
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
remnantsnounUS /ˈremnənts/
plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
Rheumy-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
sacknounUS /sæk/
a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
saplingsnounUS /ˈsæplɪŋz/
plural of “sapling” — young tree
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
Scabbyback
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
SELWYN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
sluggingverbUS /ˈslʌɡɪŋ/
inflected form of “slug” — strike heavily, especially with the fist or a bat
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
sniffingverbUS /ˈsnɪfɪŋ/
-ing form of “sniff” — perceive by inhaling through the nose
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
having a supporting base
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
sun'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
trickleverbUS /ˈtrɪkəl/
run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
unchainedadjective
not bound by shackles and chains
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
verandahnoun
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
precisely as stated
From this reading SELWYN HEARS SOME NEWS The sun climbing round the base of Conical Hill at daybreak next morning, found Selwyn already abroad, and in the very best of humours.
warmedadjectiveUS /wɔːrmd/
having been warmed up
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
accept gladly
From this reading Rheumy-eyed Scabbyback, rising morosely from a sack, was prodded good morning, and Gripper was accorded even more gracious welcome, being unchained and allowed to follow on the march of discovery.
in or at the place that
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Finding his spirits insisted upon more active affairs and discovering no prospect of breakfast for a while, he picked up his stick, which he only exchanged for gun or fishing-rod, and took a turn round the back premises, where there might be matters to occupy a fellow until people thought fit to give up slugging in bed.
wooingnounUS /ˈwuːɪŋ/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
wormnounUS /wɜːrm/
any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae
From this reading The gentle trickle of last night's nightcap down his gullet had warmed the very cockles of his heart, so he told a mud-lark discussing an early worm among the saplings.
but in spite of that
From this reading He was outside before the day was properly alight, standing on the front verandah, hands deep in pockets, legs set apart, sniffing the remnants of a night breeze, which had not yet fled the sun's wooing.
