used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
acidadjectiveUS /ˈæsəd/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
how long something has existed
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
attractverbUS /əˈtrækt/
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
beaunounUS /boʊ/
a man who is the lover of a man or woman
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
botanynounUS /ˈbɑːtəni/
all the plant life in a particular region or period
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
dearly loved
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
facetiouslyadverbUS /fəˈsiːʃəsli/
not seriously
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
flower-borders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
furryadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːri/
covered with a dense coat of fine silky hairs
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
gallantries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
glovenounUS /ɡlʌv/
the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
long-whiskered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
held dear
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
come together
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
and nothing more
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
miau
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
Minxnoun
a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
mixingnounUS /ˈmɪksɪŋ/
the act of mixing together
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
a particular point in time
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
notoriousadjectiveUS /noʊˈtɔːriəs/
known widely and usually unfavorably
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
obnoxiousadjectiveUS /ɑːbˈnɑːkʃəs/
causing disapproval or protest
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
a course of conduct
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
petnounUS /pet/
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
picklenounUS /ˈpɪkəl/
vegetables (especially cucumbers) preserved in brine or vinegar
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
picklingverbUS /ˈpɪklɪŋ/
-ing form of “pickle” — preserve in a pickling liquid
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
plaintiveadjectiveUS /ˈpleɪntɪv/
expressing sorrow
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
potionnounUS /ˈpoʊʃən/
a medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
prussic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now his process of pickling consisted in mixing a portion of prussic acid in milk.
determined
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
scandalouslyadverb
in a scandalous manner
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
slily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
smellingnounUS /ˈsmelɪŋ/
the act of perceiving the odor of something
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
stealthilyadverb
in a stealthy manner
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
suitornounUS /ˈsuːtər/
a man who courts a woman
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Taking the precaution to call in his own pet and favorite, he placed the potion in the accustomed path of her long-whiskered suitor.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
male cat
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
true-love
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
displeasing to the senses
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
unbecomingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
unluckyadjectiveUS /ənˈlʌki/
having or bringing misfortune
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
utteringverbUS /ˈʌtərɪŋ/
-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
precisely as stated
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
(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 Minx heard the voice she loved so well, and hurried to meet her ancient beau.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Tom finding the coast clear slipped his furry body over the wall, and dropped gently as a lady's glove into the garden, and slily smelling the flower-borders, as if he were merely amusing himself in the elegant study of botany, stealthily approached the house, and uttering a low plaintive 'miau,' to attract the attention of his dear Minx, patiently awaited the appearance of his true-love.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
which person or people
From this reading One very ugly Tom, (who, it was whispered abroad, was a great--grandfather, and scandalously notorious for gallantries unbecoming a cat of his age) was particularly obnoxious to our hero; and, in an unlucky moment, he resolved to 'pickle him,' as he facetiously termed it.
