Chapter XXXIX · Chapter 39

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

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

the action of accomplishing something

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

(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 "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

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

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

the highest point (of something)

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

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

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

plural of “barn” — an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

the act of breaking something

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

give encouragement to

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

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

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

a hilly county in southwestern England

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

end, especially to reach a final or climactic stage

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

divisible by two

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

plural of “farm” — workplace consisting of farm buildings and cultivated land as a unit

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a relatively small granular particle of a substance

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

brought under control and put to use

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

moving with great haste

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

(Old Testament) the son of Abraham who was cast out after the birth of Isaac; considered the forebear of 12 Arabian tribes

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

immediately past

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

engage in

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

the force of workers available

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

United States architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of Washington D.C. (1781-1855)

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

an insignificant place

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

and nothing more

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

having an owner; often used in combination

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

in the near future

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

plural of “refreshment” — snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

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

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

plural of “sheaf” — a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

a large number or amount

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

not in physical motion

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

past form of “store” — keep or lay aside for future use

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

a farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

the separation of grain or seeds from the husks and straw

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

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

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading "Guldise," as it is still called in West Cornwall, is an epic occasion, when all the months, from the first breaking of the land to the piling of the reaped sheaves, culminate at the apex of achievement.

at the time that

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

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

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

which person or people

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading In the kitchen the maids were busy with the preparations for the dinner, and in the breakfast-room even Lissa, always late, was hurrying through her breakfast so as to go out and start work on the series of quick sketches she meant to do of the thresher at work and the groups around it.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Presently all the men began to arrive, not only the labourers who always worked on the Manor farm, but the men from the neighbouring farms, from those owned by Ishmael and from others, for every threshing is a festival with a great dinner and refreshments in the field and good cheer, even for the crowds of children and stray dogs that always turn up out of nowhere.

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

From this reading In the field, between the waiting stacks, was the thresher; the traction-engine which had dragged it there stood beyond, only harnessed to it now by the long driving-belt that would, when the time came, make of the thresher a living creature.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading THRESHING That day had come to which the whole of the farming year leads up--the day of the threshing, when the grain is at last released from danger and made ready to be stored in barns, to be ground in mills.