used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
attractionsnounUS /əˈtrækʃənz/
plural of “attraction” — the force by which one object attracts another
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
Blanche
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
CroftnounUS /krɔːft/
a small farm worked by a crofter
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
DOWSABEL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DOWSABEL.
a social unit living together
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
a competitor thought likely to win
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
set up or found
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
brought together in one place
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
a social unit living together
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
kirknounUS /kɜːrk/
a Scottish church
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
maidensnounUS /ˈmeɪdənz/
plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
engage in
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
march-pine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
matinsnoun
the first canonical hour; at daybreak
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
matronsnounUS /ˈmeɪtrənz/
plural of “matron” — a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
May-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
needlenounUS /ˈniːdəl/
the leaf of a conifer
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
officialadjectiveUS /əˈfɪʃəl/
having official authority or sanction
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
ProprietarynounUS /prəˈpraɪəteri/
an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
psalmnounUS /sɑːlm/
one of the 150 lyrical poems and prayers that comprise the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament; said to have been written by David
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
without much difficulty
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
resortnounUS /rɪˈzɔːrt/
a hotel located in a resort area
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
express in words
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
sedateadjectiveUS /sɪˈdeɪt/
characterized by dignity and propriety
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
deliver by singing
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
sustainedadjectiveUS /səˈsteɪnd/
maintained at length without interruption or weakening
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The family of the Lord Proprietary sustained the most intimate relations with this household.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
twineverbUS /twaɪn/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
twistverbUS /twɪst/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
(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 The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The silk well could she twist and twine, And make the fine march-pine, And with the needle work: And she could help the priest to say His matins on a holiday And sing a psalm in kirk.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading The maidens gathered around Blanche as a May-day queen; the matrons possessed in Mistress Alice a discreet and kind friend, and the more sedate part of the population found an agreeable host in the worthy official himself.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading With such attractions for old and young it will readily be believed that the Rose Croft was a favourite resort of the inhabitants of St. Mary's.
