Chapter VII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

plural of “catch” — a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

like a coquette

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

-ing form of “distinguish” — mark as different

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

comical in an odd or whimsical manner

From this reading Many Cats, without teaching, learn droll tricks.

show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

plural of “feat” — a notable achievement

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

fasten with a latch

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

in the recent past

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Many Cats, without teaching, learn droll tricks.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

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 _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

not any; not one

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

a strong line

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

a slippery smoothness

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

in a special manner

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

the profession of a teacher

From this reading Many Cats, without teaching, learn droll tricks.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading Doctor Smellie tells of a Cat that had learned to lift the latch of a door; and other tales have been related of Cats that have been taught to ring a bell by hanging to the bell rope; and this anecdote is related by the illustrious Sam Slick, of Slickville.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to teach a Cat tricks.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

someone who visits

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

at the time that

From this reading _Of some Clever Cats._ This domestic animal, as Dr. Johnson puts it, “that catches mice,” can do many other things when it has a fair opportunity of distinguishing itself.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Many Cats, without teaching, learn droll tricks.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading I myself had a favourite Cat, lately dead, which performed a variety of amusing feats, though I must own that it was extremely coquettish, and nine times out of ten refused to exhibit before a visitor, invited specially to witness the little comedy.