Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

in addition

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

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

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

functioning in a supporting capacity

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

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

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

a youthful male person

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

clearly characterized or delimited

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

a branch of knowledge

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

plural of “dog” — 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 "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

rules governing socially acceptable behavior

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

third-person singular of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

flesh of any of various grouse of the family Tetraonidae; usually roasted; flesh too dry to broil

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

someone in charge of other people

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

plural of “pheasant” — large long-tailed gallinaceous bird native to the Old World but introduced elsewhere

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

third-person singular of “prefer” — like better; value more highly

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

express in words

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

in an aggressive manner

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

someone who engages in sports

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

ostensibly valid, but not actually valid

From this reading The Spurious Sportsman is often an officer of the auxiliary forces.

someone who insists on something

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

a special situation

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

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

From this reading He is also a great stickler for etiquette, and prefers to be addressed as Major or Colonel, as the case may be.

position 20 in a countable series of things

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He knows by heart every button of the British Army, talks much upon questions of discipline, and has a more sharply defined and more permanent mark of sunburn across his forehead than any regular officer.

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

From this reading He bears his rank upon his visiting-cards, and frequents a military Club.

at the time that

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading "Covert-shooting is the game, my boy;" he will say, "most difficult thing in the world when the pheasants are tall, and the finest test of a real sportsman," and with that he will miss his twentieth grouse, and call down imprecations on the dogs, the light, the keeper, and his own companions.