1846
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
1880
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
Appleton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
assembleverbUS /əˈsembəl/
create by putting components or members together
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
better-knownadjective
more familiar or renowned than the other of two
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
BuncenounUS /bʌns/
a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
Editor'snounUS /ˈedɪtərz/
possessive form of “editor” — a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
gainsayverbUS /ˈɡeɪnseɪ/
take exception to
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
half-lighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
JournalnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəl/
a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
magnatesnounUS /ˈmæɡneɪts/
plural of “magnate” — a very wealthy or powerful businessman
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
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 Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
Nestors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
not any; not one
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
oracularadjective
of or relating to an oracle
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
orchestranounUS /ˈɔːrkəstrə/
a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
performersnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmərz/
plural of “performer” — an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
pitnounUS /pɪt/
A large hole in the ground, or an abyss of darkness and peril.
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
playsnounUS /pleɪz/
plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
subterraneanadjectiveUS /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
theatricaladjectiveUS /θiˈætrɪkəl/
of or relating to the theater
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a half-lighted, subterranean passage.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
verdictsnounUS /ˈvɜːrdɪkts/
plural of “verdict” — (law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
vividadjectiveUS /ˈvɪvəd/
evoking lifelike images within the mind
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
watchfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɑːtʃfəl/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading The actors were in those days afraid of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one dared to gainsay.
(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 Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
at the time that
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
in or at the place that
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
wiseacres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
writesverbUS /raɪts/
third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading "That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about the plays and the performers.
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and human than many a better-known critic.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading Here, for instance, is an impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846.
