Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

-ing form of “accomplish” — put in effect

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

anew

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

belonging to or on behalf of a specified person (especially yourself); preceded by a possessive

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

react verbally

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

be in contradiction with

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

next to; at the side of

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

main force of a blow etc

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

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

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

permission to do something

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

third-person singular of “determine” — establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

decree or designate beforehand

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

plural of “failing” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the muscle tone of healthy tissue

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

plural of “gem” — art highly prized for its beauty or perfection

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

and nothing more

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

a male relative

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

a female relative

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

set down according to a plan

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

immediately past

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

in a manner acceptable to common custom

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

engage in

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

past form of “mend” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

plural of “metal” — any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

possessive form of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

not any; not one

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

a human being

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

express in words

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

intentionally so written (used after a printed word or phrase)

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

past form of “slaughter” — kill (animals) usually for food consumption

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

express in speech

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

be standing; be upright

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

express in words

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

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

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

compress into a wad

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

(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 "Uh! uh!--hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be--least said is sunest mended."

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

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

which person or people

From this reading The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle--"I see what you are driving me to the wa' about.

signal by winking

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

hope for; have a wish

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

performs some wicked deed

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

but in spite of that

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"

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

From this reading But I'll tell you't plain, kinswoman,--I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent to be laid beside him--though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?"