used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
abackadverbUS /əˈbæk/
having the wind against the forward side of the sails
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
abruptadjectiveUS /əˈbrʌpt/
marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
annunciationnoun
a festival commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
from appearances alone
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
decidesverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdz/
third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
diffidencenoun
lack of self-confidence
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
dishnounUS /dɪʃ/
a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
provide as food
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
fragrantadjectiveUS /ˈfreɪɡrənt/
pleasant-smelling
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
many times at short intervals
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
usually; as a rule
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
a man of refinement
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
hamnounUS /hæm/
meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
a particular point in time
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
mysticadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstɪk/
having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
on one occasion
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
overcameverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈkeɪm/
inflected form of “overcome” — win a victory over
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
palatenounUS /ˈpælət/
the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
pouncedverbUS /paʊnst/
past form of “pounce” — move down on as if in an attack
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/
provided with a secure reputation
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
reverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
move by turning over or rotating
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
rumpnounUS /rʌmp/
the part of an animal that corresponds to the human buttocks
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
an educational institution
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
senioradjectiveUS /ˈsiːnjər/
older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
shallotnoun
aggregate bulb of the multiplier onion
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
slinks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
with low volume
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
steaknounUS /steɪk/
a slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
male cat
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
unaccustomedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈkʌstəmd/
unusual or unfamiliar
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading A stranger, and one unaccustomed to feed in public, is recognised in a moment by his uneasy movements.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
communicated in words
From this reading Tom pounced upon him in a moment, and uttered the mystic roll.
vacantadjectiveUS /ˈveɪkənt/
void of intelligence or thought
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
vealnounUS /viːl/
meat from a calf
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
precisely as stated
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
volubleadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːljəbəl/
marked by a ready flow of speech
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
waiternounUS /ˈweɪtər/
a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
From this reading He generally slinks into the nearest vacant seat, and is evidently taken aback by the apparently abrupt and rapid annunciation of the voluble and active waiter, and, in the hurry and confusion, very frequently decides upon the dish least pleasant to his palate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
in or at the place that
From this reading A respectable gentleman of the old school, of a mild and reverend appearance, and a lean and hungry figure, once dropped into a settle where we were discussing a rump steak and a shallot, tender as an infant, and fragrant as a flower garden!
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading The worthy senior was evidently confused and startled, but necessity so far overcame his diffidence that he softly said, "A small portion of veal and ham, well done."
