abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
Ashelton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
tried unsuccessfully
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
axiomnounUS /ˈæksiəm/
a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
the two together, not just one
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
confuteverb
prove to be false
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
without stop or interruption
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
CROWSnounUS /kroʊz/
plural of “crow” — black birds having a raucous call
From this reading HARBOROUGH OF CROWS’ FARM.
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
employingverbUS /emˈplɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “employ” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading HARBOROUGH OF CROWS’ FARM.
farmingnounUS /ˈfɑːrmɪŋ/
the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
grumbleverbUS /ˈɡrʌmbəl/
show one's unhappiness or critical attitude
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
HARBOROUGH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HARBOROUGH OF CROWS’ FARM.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
holdingsnounUS /ˈhoʊldɪŋz/
plural of “holding” — the act of retaining something
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/
with indifference; in an indifferent manner
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
engage in
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
the force of workers available
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
not any; not one
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
no person; not anyone
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HARBOROUGH OF CROWS’ FARM.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
opinionsnounUS /əˈpɪnjənz/
plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
peasantnounUS /ˈpezənt/
a country person
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
starvedadjectiveUS /stɑːrvd/
suffering from lack of food
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
tenantsnounUS /ˈtenənts/
plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But one and all believed it, though they continued to farm and to grumble, both the small men and the great.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
precisely as stated
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This was an axiom in the Ashelton district, which no one attempted to confute though each had an explanation for it, according to his political opinions and education, or want of education.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The small men were very small, little more than peasant tenants with neither the capital nor the ability to farm their small holdings with any show of justice to the starved land, living from hand to mouth, employing no labour, themselves and their families practically doing the work, and doing it indifferently.
Wrugglesby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nobody could make farming pay, at least no one about Wrugglesby.
