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 "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

(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 He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

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

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

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

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

having an unpleasant sound

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

plural of “charm” — attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

of or relating to cats

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

destroyed or killed

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

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

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

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

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

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

From this reading THE PRACTICAL JOKER.--No. I.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

habitual

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

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

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes

From this reading THE PRACTICAL JOKER.--No. I.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

drive or propel with the foot

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

not any; not one

From this reading THE PRACTICAL JOKER.--No. I.

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

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

at night

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

and nothing more

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading THE PRACTICAL JOKER.--No. I.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

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

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

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

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

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

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

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

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

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

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

male cat

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

the mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

plural of “wag” — a witty amusing person who makes jokes

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

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

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

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

From this reading Jim Smith was an inveterate joker, and his jokes were, for the most part, of the practical kind.

during the time that

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

which person or people

From this reading Those wags who are so fond of playing off their jokes upon others, require great skill and foresight to prevent the laugh being turned against themselves.

belonging to which person

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Gone! gone! by gosh!" scream'd Nobbs, while Tom Too eager forward bent, And, with a kick, their basket quick Into the river sent.

an established custom

From this reading He had a valuable tortoiseshell cat, whose beauty was not only the theme of praise with all the old maids in the neighbourhood, but her charms attracted the notice of numerous feline gentlemen dwelling in the vicinity, who were, nocturnally, wont to pay their devoirs by that species of serenades, known under the cacophonous name of caterwauling.