used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
accidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
in the past
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
an occurrence of something
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
commoditynounUS /kəˈmɑːdəti/
articles of commerce
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
creakingnounUS /ˈkriːkɪŋ/
a squeaking sound
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
desultoryadjectiveUS /ˈdesəltɔːri/
marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
take in liquids
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
moving swiftly
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
people in general (often used in the plural)
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
set up or found
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
the act of departing
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
hoaryadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːri/
showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
hostelrynoun
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
not any; not one
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
and nothing more
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
overworkedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrkt/
past form of “overwork” — use too much
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
in the near future
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
with low volume
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
recuperationnounUS /rɪˌkuːpərˈeɪʃən/
gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
refugeenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒi/
an exile who flees for safety
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
rumnounUS /rʌm/
liquor distilled from fermented molasses
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
in an unfortunate way
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
the act of searching for something
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
selfrespect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
sign-board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
tavernnounUS /ˈtævərn/
a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Its name, as shown on the creaking sign-board, was The Black Lion Inn.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This latter commodity in my own poor case had been sadly overworked, and called for rest and an opportunity of recuperation.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
vacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
at the time that
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
WhereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
whippedverbUS /wɪpt/
inflected form of “whip” — beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
which person or people
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
in the company of; together with
From this reading My coming was the fruit of no plan; the hostelry was strange to me, and my arrival, casual and desultory, one of those accidents which belong with the experiences of folk who, whipped of a bad appetite and running from rum, are seeking only to be solitary and win a vacation for their selfrespect.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Wherefore, going quietly and without word from the great city, I found this ancient inn with a purpose to turn presently sober.
a late time of life
From this reading Years ago, I came upon an old and hoary tavern when I as a fashion of refugee was flying from strong drink.
