1878
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
AlexandernounUS /ˌæləɡˈzændər/
European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
alphabetnounUS /ˈælfəbet/
a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
chiefsnounUS /tʃiːfs/
plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
the specified day of the month
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
fansnounUS /fænz/
plural of “fan” — a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
usually; as a rule
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
temporary military shelter
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
and nothing more
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
King'snounUS /kɪŋz/
possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
loungeverbUS /laʊndʒ/
sit or recline comfortably
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
M'tesa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
Mackay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
engage in
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
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 FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
messagesnounUS /ˈmesədʒəz/
plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Most of these boys were the sons of chiefs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
held or filled or in use
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
printedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
cut with a saw
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
sentencesnounUS /ˈsentənsəz/
plural of “sentence” — a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
a person who is owned by someone
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
plural of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading Most of these boys were the sons of chiefs.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
express in speech
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
squatverbUS /skwɑːt/
sit on one's heels
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
stoolsnounUS /stuːlz/
plural of “stool” — a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Most of these boys were the sons of chiefs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
being of use or service
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Often when Mackay came to speak with the King, he had to wait in this place before he could have audience of M'tesa.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Most of these boys were the sons of chiefs.
at the time that
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
which person or people
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
in the company of; together with
From this reading FIGHTING THE SLAVE TRADE _Alexander Mackay_ (Date, 1878) In the court of King M'tesa, Mackay always saw many boys who used to drive away the flies from the King's face with fans, carry stools for the chiefs and visitors to squat upon, run messages and make themselves generally useful.
workshopnounUS /ˈwɜːrkʃɑːp/
small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done
From this reading He would bring with him large sheets of paper on which he had printed in his workshop the alphabet and some sentences.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading When they were not occupied with some errand, they would lounge about playing games with one another in the open space just by the King's hut.
