used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
how long something has existed
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
blackestadjectiveUS /ˈblækəst/
superlative of “black” — being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
bristlesnounUS /ˈbrɪsəlz/
plural of “bristle” — a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
broad-shoulderedadjective
having broad shoulders
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
BurtonnounUS /ˈbɜːrtən/
English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890)
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
Cade's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
causticadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstɪk/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
ChicknounUS /tʃɪk/
young bird especially of domestic fowl
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
the protruding part of the lower jaw
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
deep-chestedadjective
thick in the chest
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
mild-manneredadjective
behaving in or having a mild or gentle manner
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
MondaynounUS /ˈmʌndi/
the second day of the week; the first working day
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
not any; not one
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
offensenounUS /əˈfens/
a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
preoccupationnounUS /priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
realizingverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “realize” — be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
an educational institution
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
shoe-brush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
soft-spokenadjective
having a speaking manner that is not loud or harsh
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
solidly-built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
strictadjectiveUS /strɪkt/
rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
SumnernounUS /ˈsʌmnər/
United States sociologist (1840-1910)
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
create by training and teaching
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading His countenance presented the not unusual contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin.
under normal conditions
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading AN HUMBLE MEMBER Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from realizing the other’s offense.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
at the time that
From this reading Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Of course, being a trifle late into bed was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called down.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
a late time of life
From this reading He was about thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of the bristles on a shoe-brush.
