used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
acresnounUS /ˈeɪkərz/
extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
anew
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
at or in the front
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
ambernounUS /ˈæmbər/
a deep yellow color
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
borderingverbUS /ˈbɔːrdərɪŋ/
-ing form of “border” — extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
DOOMverbUS /duːm/
decree or designate beforehand
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
ETC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
Hardcastle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
lainverbUS /leɪn/
inflected form of “lie” — be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
immediately past
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
Logie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
lowlandsnounUS /ˈloʊlændz/
the southern part of Scotland that is not mountainous
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
market-town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
mistsnounUS /mɪsts/
plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
nippingadjectiveUS /ˈnɪpɪŋ/
capable of wounding
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
Norbrigg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
October'snounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbərz/
possessive form of “october” — the month following September and preceding November
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
RICROFT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
roadwaynounUS /ˈroʊdweɪ/
a road (especially that part of a road) over which vehicles travel
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
cut with a saw
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
SHAMELESSadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪmləs/
feeling no shame
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
stragglingadjective
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
strodeverbUS /stroʊd/
inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
the rays of the sun
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/
of the highest quality
From this reading October’s mists had lain heavy on the lowlands, but here on the tops he strode into sunlight and clean, nipping air.
toughenedadjectiveUS /ˈtʌfənd/
physically toughened
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
uplandsnounUS /ˈʌpləndz/
plural of “upland” — elevated (e.g., mountainous) land
From this reading Hardcastle, Master of Logie, came swinging up the last of the stiff miles that climbed from Norbrigg market-town to the high uplands.
WAYNEnounUS /weɪn/
United States film actor who played tough heroes (1907-1979)
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Grim and lean, toughened by many sorts of weather, Hardcastle paused to get breath again, and looked out across the lonely acres that stretched to the four quarters of a blue and amber sky.
Weathersett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ahead of him, bordering the roadway, he saw the straggling clumps of houses known as Weathersett.
WITHENS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
WRACKnounUS /ræk/
dried seaweed especially that cast ashore
From this reading AUTHOR OF “SHAMELESS WAYNE,” “RICROFT OF WITHENS,” “WRACK OF DOOM,” ETC.
