used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
acmenounUS /ˈækmi/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
(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 It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
alliesnounUS /ˈælaɪz/
the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
aristocratsnounUS /ərˈɪstəkræts/
plural of “aristocrat” — a member of the aristocracy
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
badgerverbUS /ˈbædʒər/
annoy persistently
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
for the reason that
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Yet the crook takes the chance.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
connounUS /kɑːn/
an argument opposed to a proposal
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
contentmentnounUS /kənˈtentmənt/
happiness with one's situation in life
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
counterfeiternounUS /ˈkaʊntərfɪtər/
someone who makes copies illegally
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
criminaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmənəl/
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
crooknounUS /krʊk/
someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
From this reading Yet the crook takes the chance.
CROOKSnounUS /krʊks/
plural of “crook” — someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
detentionnounUS /dɪˈtenʃən/
a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
dipverbUS /dɪp/
immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
essentialadjectiveUS /eˈsenʃəl/
absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
forgernounUS /ˈfɔːrdʒər/
someone who operates a forge
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
plural of “note” — a brief written record
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
pacingnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
requiresverbUS /riˈkwaɪərz/
third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
sneakverbUS /sniːk/
to go stealthily or furtively
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
move an implement through
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The morning sun may see the criminal the acme of contentment, money in his pocket, a smile on his face; the evening shadows may fall on him pacing a cell in some detention house.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading Yet the crook takes the chance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
they'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It’s a peculiar characteristic of all crooks, that sooner or later they know they’ll see the inside of a “stir” (prison).
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A good “front” (appearance) in their line is essential to success.
TYPESnounUS /taɪps/
plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
underworldnounUS /ˈʌndərwɜːrld/
the criminal class
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading SOME TYPES OF CROOKS The “con man,” the bank sneak, the counterfeiter (of notes) and his allies, the forger, the big dip, and the badger man are what might be called the aristocrats of the underworld because their work requires on their part always a polished exterior.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the crook takes the chance.