used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
consider or hold as true
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
adultnounUS /əˈdʌlt/
a fully developed person from maturity onward
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
ascribesverbUS /əˈskraɪbz/
third-person singular of “ascribe” — attribute or credit to
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But they do.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
deniedverbUS /dɪˈnaɪd/
inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
diviningverbUS /dəˈvaɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “divine” — perceive intuitively or through some inexplicable perceptive powers
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But they do.
dumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
facultiesnounUS /ˈfækəltiz/
plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
foundationnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
usually; as a rule
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
GIRDLER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
infantsnounUS /ˈɪnfənts/
plural of “infant” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
loyallyadverbUS /ˈlɔɪəli/
with loyalty; in a loyal manner
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
moralized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
occultverbUS /əˈkʌlt/
cause an eclipse of (a celestial body) by intervention
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
overridingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərraɪdɪŋ/
having superior power and influence
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
paradoxnounUS /ˈperədɑːks/
(logic) a statement that contradicts itself
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
pronouncementsnounUS /prəˈnaʊnsmənts/
plural of “pronouncement” — an authoritative declaration
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
reasoningnounUS /ˈriːzənɪŋ/
thinking that is coherent and logical
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
restsnounUS /rests/
plural of “rest” — something left after other parts have been taken away
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
Solly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
statusnounUS /ˈstætəs/
the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
surprisin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DEATH ON THE GIRDLER Popular belief ascribes to infants and the lower animals certain occult powers of divining character denied to the reasoning faculties of the human adult; and is apt to accept their judgment as finally overriding the pronouncements of mere experience.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
unnecessaryadjectiveUS /ənˈnesəseri/
not necessary
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
precisely as stated
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is very generally entertained, especially by ladies of a certain social status; and by Mrs. Thomas Solly it was loyally maintained as an article of faith.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether this belief rests upon any foundation other than the universal love of paradox it is unnecessary to inquire.
an affirmative
From this reading “Yes,” she moralized, “it’s surprisin’ how they know, the little children and the dumb animals.
