used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
affrontnounUS /əˈfrʌnt/
a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
(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 I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
make certain of
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
give encouragement to
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
complaintsnounUS /kəmˈpleɪnts/
plural of “complaint” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
concernsnounUS /kənˈsɜːrnz/
plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
DISTRESSEDadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrest/
facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
the act of consuming food
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
elmnounUS /elm/
any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
at any time
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
foolsnounUS /fuːlz/
plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
impertinences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
impudentadjective
marked by casual disrespect
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
insultedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsʌltɪd/
past form of “insult” — treat, mention, or speak to rudely
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
ivynounUS /ˈaɪvi/
Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
the literary culture
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
in like or similar manner
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
lodgeverbUS /lɑːdʒ/
be a lodger; stay temporarily
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
magpienounUS /ˈmæɡpaɪ/
long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous chattering call
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
engage in
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
micenounUS /maɪs/
plural of “mouse” — any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
mobnounUS /mɑːb/
a disorderly crowd of people
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
mousenounUS /maʊs/
any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
NEIGHBOURnounUS /ˈneɪbər/
a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
not any; not one
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
not one thing; not anything
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
many times at short intervals
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
and nothing more
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
OWLnounUS /aʊl/
nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
pimpnounUS /pɪmp/
someone who procures customers for whores (in England they call a pimp a ponce)
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
Post-office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
pryverbUS /praɪ/
to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
To recall to mind.
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
resentverbUS /rɪˈzent/
feel bitter or indignant about
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
express a supposition
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
carry out
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
talonsnounUS /ˈtælənz/
plural of “talon” — a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
a special situation
From this reading I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
in spite of the fact that
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the upper part of anything
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
a source of difficulty
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
precisely as stated
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
(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 I assure you it is well for her that she is not a mouse, or she should not long escape my talons; but who ever heard of such a thing as eating a magpie?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I should have enough to do if I were to resent all her impertinences.
at the time that
From this reading I live chiefly on mice (when I am at liberty to catch them), but I have my complaints to make as well as you, for you know I hold a high situation in the Post-office, and I suppose you know, likewise, that the letters are brought in so very late that it often takes me half the night to sort them, and night is the very time when I ought to get my own food!
in or at the place that
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
which person or people
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
Wigsby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
Winkum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She will come sometimes round the ivy where I lodge in the old elm, or into the tower on the top of the hill; and there she will pimp and pry into my private concerns, and mob me, and call me "Old Wigsby" and "Doctor Winkum," and such kind of names, and all for nothing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
WOOD-PIGEON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _THE OWL IN REPLY TO THE WOOD-PIGEON._ DISTRESSED NEIGHBOUR, I am sorry for your trouble, but cheer up your spirits, and though you are insulted, remember who it is that gives the affront, it is only the magpie; and depend upon it that in general the best way to deal with impudent fools is to be silent and take no notice of them.
