used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
(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 Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
astiradjective
out of bed
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
eat an early morning meal
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
Marster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
MiddletonnounUS /ˈmɪdəltən/
English playwright and pamphleteer (1570-1627)
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
moonshinenounUS /ˈmuːnʃaɪn/
the light of the Moon
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
mornin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
morningsnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋz/
plural of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
negroesnounUS /ˈniːɡroʊz/
plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
not any; not one
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
nohowadverb
in no manner; in no way
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
held or filled or in use
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
ORLEANSnounUS /ˈɔːrliənz/
a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
pearsnounUS /perz/
plural of “pear” — sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
REFUSESnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəz/
plural of “refuse” — food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
removingverbUS /riˈmuːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
SabbathnounUS /ˈsæbəθ/
a day of rest and worship: Sunday for most Christians; Saturday for the Jews and a few Christians; Friday for Muslims
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
skeary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
up to a particular time
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
wakin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hope you slept better than I did, for ’pears like I couldn’t get asleep nohow, till toward mornin’ and then I was mighty skeary about wakin’ up, for fear I should find it all moonshine, and no Bill here after all."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FANNY REFUSES TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS The next day was the Sabbath.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Contrary to their usual custom on such mornings, Mr. Middleton and his negroes were astir at an early hour.
at the time that
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
William'snounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/
possessive form of “williams” — United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)
From this reading The female portion of the latter were occupied in preparing a great breakfast in honor of "Marster William’s" arrival, while Mr. Middleton busied himself in removing a part of his dark, heavy beard.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading When William made his appearance in the sitting room, he was greeted by his brother with, "How are you, Bill?
