Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

how long something has existed

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

cause to be bored

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

superlative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

past form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in America in many varieties; the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

demanding attention

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

decree or designate beforehand

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

the part in the front or nearest the viewer

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

brought together in one place

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

plural of “grain” — a relatively small granular particle of a substance

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

press or grind with a crushing noise

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

a small number or amount

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

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

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

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

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

immediately past

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

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

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

with relatively high volume

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

engage in

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

plural of “mouse” — any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

of or relating to a pastor

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

past form of “reap” — gather, as of natural products

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

plural of “rook” — (chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

plural of “sacrifice” — the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

of superior grade

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

plural of “sickle” — an edge tool for cutting grass or crops; has a curved blade and a short handle

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

not in physical motion

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

past form of “still” — make calm or still

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

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

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

plural of “toad” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

precisely as stated

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

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

From this reading PAGAN PASTORAL The last of the corn had been reaped in Cloom fields and all was ready for the ceremony of "Crying the Neck."

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

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

From this reading Overhead the rooks and gulls gave short, harsh cries as they circled around hoping for stray grains; but the thousand little lives which had thriven in the corn--the field mice and frogs and toads--had been stilled by the sickles; some few had escaped to the shelter of the hedges, but most were sacrifices to the harvest.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading He was stiff with his great age and the cruel rheumatism that is the doom of the field-worker; and against the brass and leather of his boots the stubble whispered loudly.

which person or people

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

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

From this reading The labourers, their womenfolk and children, had gathered together, and Annie, with a select party of friends, took her place in the forefront of the crowd.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading A very old labourer who bore the splendid name of Melchisedec Baragwaneth, went from sheaf to sheaf, picking out a handful of the most heavily-bearded ears, which, though they are apt to grind the worst, still make the bravest show.