used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
completely unclothed
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
BREECH-LOADER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
put or send forth
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
crunchesnounUS /ˈkrʌntʃɪz/
plural of “crunch” — the sound of something crunching
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
divisible by two
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
depressingly dark
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
increasesnounUS /ɪnˈkriːsəz/
plural of “increase” — a quantity that is added
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
and nothing more
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
MATCHLOCKnounUS /ˈmætʃlɑːk/
an early style of musket; a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
PHEASANT-STALKING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
ploughedadjectiveUS /plaʊd/
(of farmland) broken and turned over with a plow
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
protrudeverbUS /proʊˈtruːd/
extend out or project in space
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
only a very short time before
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
slownessnounUS /ˈsloʊnəs/
unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
smallnessnounUS /ˈsmɔːlnəs/
the property of having a relatively small size
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
stubblenounUS /ˈstʌbəl/
material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
tendverbUS /tend/
have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
tipsnounUS /tɪps/
plural of “tip” — the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading So that the smallness of the shadow itself and the slowness of its motion together tend to conceal it.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
TRICKSnounUS /trɪks/
plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
versus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
verticaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/
at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line
From this reading In winter, when the branches are bare, a light that is nearly vertical over a tree can cast but little shadow, and that falls immediately around the trunk.
at the time that
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The snow on the ground increases the sense of light, and in approaching the wood the scene is even more distinct than during the gloomy day.
but in spite of that
From this reading The tips of the short stubble that has not yet been ploughed in places just protrude above the surface, and the snow, frozen hard, crunches with a low sound under foot.
zenithnounUS /ˈziːnəθ/
the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading A WINTER NIGHT: OLD TRICKS: PHEASANT-STALKING: MATCHLOCK _versus_ BREECH-LOADER: CONCLUSION When the moon is full and nearly at the zenith it seems to move so slowly that the shadows scarcely change their position.
