Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

(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 I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

harass with persistent criticism or carping

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

past form of “bait” — harass with persistent criticism or carping

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

next to; at the side of

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading Patiently he sat; as motionless and unfeeling as a block.

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

a man of refinement

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

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

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

fasten with a hook

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

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

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

a questioner who is excessively harsh

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

immediately past

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

of a path e.g.

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

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

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

possessive form of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

not in physical motion

From this reading Patiently he sat; as motionless and unfeeling as a block.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

on one occasion

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

with patience; in a patient manner

From this reading Patiently he sat; as motionless and unfeeling as a block.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

relating to or characteristic of the activity of fishing

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

-ing form of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

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

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

express a supposition

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

in or at that place or location

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

the upper part of anything

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

torment emotionally or mentally

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

devoid of feeling for others

From this reading Patiently he sat; as motionless and unfeeling as a block.

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

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

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I placed myself under cover of an adjoining hedge, and watched him for the space of half an hour; but he pulled up nothing but his baited hook;--what his bait was, I know not; but I suppose, from the vicinity, he was fishing for a "miller's thumb."

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

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

From this reading He at last perched himself near the troubled waters, close to the huge revolving wheel, and threw in his float, which danced upon the mimic waves, and bobbed up and down, as if preparing for a reel.

hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair

From this reading HAMMERING "Beside a meandering stream There sat an old gentleman fat; On the top of his head was his wig, On the top of his wig was his hat."

in the company of; together with

From this reading I once followed a venerable gentleman along the banks of a mill-stream, armed at all points with piscatorial paraphernalia, looking out for some appropriate spot, with all the coolness of a Spanish inquisitor, displaying his various instruments of refined torture.