Chapter IX

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

how long something has existed

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

a period of 100 years

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

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

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

first in order of birth

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

divisible by two

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

a social unit living together

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

cut open

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

plural of “grip” — the act of grasping

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

a county in southeastern England on the English Channel; formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the Romans

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

drive or propel with the foot

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

United States actor (1914-1998)

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

and nothing more

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

plural of “pea” — seed of a pea plant used for food

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

first in rank or degree

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

given to quarreling

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

any competition

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

have sovereign power

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

express in speech

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

a set with 3 times 20 members

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

to a remarkable degree or extent

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading In the reign of James the Fifth, the mill on the Teath, near Doune, was possessed, as it had been for abune a century, by a family of the name of Marshall.

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

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

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

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

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

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The eldest, James, was as like what his father was at the same age, as twa peas; only, if onything, a thought stronger.

at the time that

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

which person or people

From this reading John’s family consisted of twa sons and a dochter, who had lost their mither when they were but weans.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

a midwestern state in north central United States

From this reading They were a bauld and a strong race of men, and when the miller of whom we’re now to speak was in his prime, it used to be a common saying in the kintra, “Better get a kick frae a naig’s foot, than a stroke frae John Marshall;” and even now that he was threescore and one, there were unco few that liked to come to grips wi’ him.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.

but in spite of that

From this reading But though John kent he need fear nae man, and would carry things wi’ a high hand when needfu’, yet he was onything but quarrelsome, and was aye mair ready to gree wi’ a man than to fight wi’ him; and as he was a gash sensible man, and thoroughly honest, he had mony frien’s and weel-wishers, and was muckle respeckit in the hale kintra side.