Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

later than; following

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

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

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

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

From this reading But they are no more, Jack.

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

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

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But they are no more, Jack.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

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

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

plural of “catcher” — (baseball) the person who plays the position of catcher

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

dearly loved

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

well in the past; former

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

one or the other of two

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

opinion or judgment

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a social unit living together

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a female heir

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

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

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

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

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a small worthless amount

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

and nothing more

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a male relative

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

immediately past

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

not any; not one

From this reading But they are no more, Jack.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

above and across; more than

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading “Peace be with their soles!” said I, solemnly.

a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

plural of “relic” — an antiquity that has survived from the distant past

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

To recall to mind.

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

possessing material wealth

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

in a grave and sedate manner

From this reading “Peace be with their soles!” said I, solemnly.

plural of “sol” — a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid

From this reading “Peace be with their soles!” said I, solemnly.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “Peace be with their soles!” said I, solemnly.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

something given or done as an expression of esteem

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

in an unmerited manner

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

past form of “venerate” — regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

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

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading “Certainly, uncle; they were called by every one, ‘The Wife Catchers.’” “Well, Jack, many a title has been given more undeservedly—many a rich heiress they were the means of bringing into our family.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Peace be with their soles!” said I, solemnly.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

a late time of life

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

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

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading ack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I lost the venerated relics just one week after your poor dear aunt departed this life.” My uncle drew out his bandanna handkerchief and applied it to his eyes; but I cannot be positive to which of the family relics this tribute of affectionate recollection was paid.