adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
actionnounUS /ˈækʃən/
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
agitationnounUS /ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/
a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
airnounUS /er/
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
ambitionnounUS /æmˈbɪʃən/
a cherished desire
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
ascendverbUS /əˈsend/
travel up
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
asleepadjectiveUS /əˈsliːp/
in a state of sleep
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
avoidableadjectiveUS /əˈvɔɪdəbəl/
capable of being avoided or warded off
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
backbonenounUS /ˈbækboʊn/
a central cohesive source of support and stability
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
carelessadjectiveUS /ˈkerləs/
marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
catnounUS /kæt/
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
cookverbUS /kʊk/
prepare a hot meal
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
dognounUS /dɔːɡ/
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
dueadjectiveUS /duː/
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
DukenounUS /duːk/
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
Duke'snounUS /duːks/
possessive form of “duke” — a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
EvenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
extendverbUS /ɪkˈstend/
extend in scope or range or area
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
fairadjectiveUS /fer/
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
fieldnounUS /fiːld/
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
footnounUS /fʊt/
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
habituallyadverbUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəli/
according to habit or custom
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
happenverbUS /ˈhæpən/
come to pass
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
hazardousadjectiveUS /ˈhæzərdəs/
involving risk or danger
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
hopenounUS /hoʊp/
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
indiscretionnounUS /ˌɪndɪˈskreʃən/
the trait of being injudicious
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
layverbUS /leɪ/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
musingnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪŋ/
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
nooknounUS /nʊk/
a sheltered and secluded place
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/
the month following October and preceding December
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
Penrod's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
pessimismnounUS /ˈpesəmɪzəm/
the feeling that things will turn out badly
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
porchnounUS /pɔːrtʃ/
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
prettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
reconnaissancenounUS /riˈkɑːnəsəns/
the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy)
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
refuse-can
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
SaturdaynounUS /ˈsætərdi/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
sleepnounUS /sliːp/
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
sortnounUS /sɔːrt/
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
stepsnounUS /steps/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
surprisedadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzd/
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
three-pound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/
a source of difficulty
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
uncharacteristicadjectiveUS /ˌʌnkerɪktərˈɪstɪk/
distinctive and not typical
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
undertakingsnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋz/
plural of “undertaking” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
unwarlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
venturedverbUS /ˈventʃərd/
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This indiscretion, so uncharacteristic, was due to the agitation of a surprised moment, for Duke's experience had inclined him to a peaceful pessimism, and he had no ambition for hazardous undertakings of any sort.
waysnounUS /weɪz/
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
whitefishnounUS /ˈwaɪtfɪʃ/
any market fish--edible saltwater fish or shellfish--except herring
From this reading Thus, being asleep in a nook behind the metal refuse-can, when the strange cat ventured to ascend the steps of the porch, his appearance was so unwarlike that the cat felt encouraged to extend its field of reconnaissance for the cook had been careless, and the backbone of a three-pound whitefish lay at the foot of the refuse-can.
wistfulnessnounUS /ˈwɪstfəlnəs/
a sadly pensive longing
From this reading Even in his sleep, this gave him an air of wistfulness.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He was given to musing but not to avoidable action, and he seemed habitually to hope for something that he was pretty sure would not happen.
youthnounUS /juːθ/
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading On a fair Saturday afternoon in November Penrod's little old dog Duke returned to the ways of his youth and had trouble with a strange cat on the back porch.
