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Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04
Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 is here in full — 436 sentences across 88 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04
Context Illustration Reading 40/87 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.
I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.
A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.
Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.
I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 is here in full — 436 sentences across 88 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 40/87 · 5 reading units · Lines 196–200

Line 1
Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.
Line 2
I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.
Line 3
A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.
Line 4
Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.
Line 5
I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

angler noun US /ˈæŋɡlər/

a scheming person; someone who schemes to gain an advantage

From this reading “A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.”

clattering verb US /ˈklætərɪŋ/

-ing form of “clatter” — make a rattling sound

From this reading “Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.”

fixture noun US /ˈfɪkstʃər/

an object firmly fixed in place (especially in a household)

From this reading “Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.”

luxuriant adjective US /ləɡˈʒɜːriənt/

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading “I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.”

precluding verb US /prɪˈkluːdɪŋ/

-ing form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading “Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.”

rogues noun US /roʊɡz/

plural of “rogue” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading “A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.”

taps noun US /tæps/

(military) signal to turn the lights out

From this reading “Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.”

valuation noun US /væljuːˈeɪʃən/

an appraisal of the value of something

From this reading “Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.”

All words in this reading · 106

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

anglernounUS /ˈæŋɡlər/

a scheming person; someone who schemes to gain an advantage

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

attachmentnounUS /əˈtætʃmənt/

a feeling of affection for a person or an institution

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

broadadjectiveUS /brɔːd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

broughtverbUS /brɔːt/

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

carefuladjectiveUS /ˈkerfəl/

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

certainlyadverbUS /ˈsɜːrtənli/

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

clamourverbUS /ˈklæmər/

utter or proclaim insistently and noisily

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

clatteringverbUS /ˈklætərɪŋ/

-ing form of “clatter” — make a rattling sound

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

CloseadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

coatnounUS /koʊt/

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

concealmentnounUS /kənˈsiːlmənt/

the condition of being concealed or hidden

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

drewnounUS /druː/

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

drivingadjectiveUS /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

effectualadjective

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

enjoyedverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪd/

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

fixedadjectiveUS /fɪkst/

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

fixturenounUS /ˈfɪkstʃər/

an object firmly fixed in place (especially in a household)

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/

a man of refinement

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

hammernounUS /ˈhæmər/

the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

hearingnounUS /ˈhiːrɪŋ/

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

longedverbUS /lɔːŋd/

past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

luxuriantadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriənt/

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

mealy-mouthedadjective

hesitant to state facts or opinions simply and directly as from e.g. timidity or hypocrisy

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

millverbUS /mɪl/

move about in a confused manner

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

nailsnounUS /neɪlz/

plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

notionsnounUS /ˈnoʊʃənz/

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

observeverbUS /əbˈzɜːrv/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

palingnoun

a fence made of upright pickets

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

perfectadjectiveUS /pərˈfekt/

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

personaladjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrsɪnəl/

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

precludingverbUS /prɪˈkluːdɪŋ/

-ing form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

PresentlyadverbUS /ˈprezəntli/

in the near future

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

propertynounUS /ˈprɑːpərti/

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

quicksetnoun

cuttings of plants set in the ground to grow as hawthorn for hedges or vines

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

quietlyadverbUS /ˈkwaɪətli/

with low volume

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

ranverbUS /ræn/

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

rearnounUS /rɪr/

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

remainedverbUS /rɪˈmeɪnd/

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

ridiculousadjectiveUS /rɪˈdɪkjələs/

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

roguesnounUS /roʊɡz/

plural of “rogue” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

sportnounUS /spɔːrt/

an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

supposeverbUS /səˈpoʊz/

express a supposition

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

tailsnounUS /teɪlz/

formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

tapsnounUS /tæps/

(military) signal to turn the lights out

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

tenpenny

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

tricknounUS /trɪk/

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

turnverbUS /tɜːrn/

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading A paling in the rear offered the rogues an effectual concealment in case the angler should turn.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Presently, two mealy-mouthed men, from the mill, made their appearance, cautiously creeping behind him.

unconsciousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəs/

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading I drew myself up in the shadow of the luxuriant quickset to observe their notions.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

valuationnounUS /væljuːˈeɪʃən/

an appraisal of the value of something

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

wheelverbUS /wiːl/

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading I certainly enjoyed the trick, and longed to see the ridiculous issue; but he was so intent upon his sport--so fixed that he did not discover the nature of his real attachment while I remained.

wood-work

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

From this reading Close to his seat ran some wood-work, upon which they quietly drew the broad tails of his coat, and driving in a couple of tenpenny nails, left the unconscious old gentleman a perfect fixture; to be taken at a valuation, I suppose, part of his personal property being already "brought to the hammer!" the clattering clamour of the wheel precluding him from hearing the careful, but no less effectual taps.

Chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 by Robert Seymour holds 436 sentences, grouped into 88 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 contain?

Chapter 1 holds 436 sentences of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04, unabridged, divided into 88 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 by Robert Seymour exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 436 sentences, grouped into 88 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04?

Work through the 88 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 88 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04

Common questions about reading Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 by Robert Seymour on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04?

Yes. All 436 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #5648 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #5648, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 take to read?

About 36 minutes of reading across 88 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 section by section

How to work through Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 1 chapters of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Patience
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Monument
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Smiling
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Grief
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.