used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
ButlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
recognizable; marked
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
docther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
divisible by two
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
opinion or judgment
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
grinningnounUS /ˈɡrɪnɪŋ/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
hobonounUS /ˈhoʊboʊ/
a vagrant
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
Hoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
humiliationsnounUS /ˌhjuːmɪliˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “humiliation” — state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
Hutt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
a boy or man
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
MikenounUS /maɪk/
device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
a particular point in time
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
Murphy'snounUS /ˈmɜːrfiz/
possessive form of “murphy” — an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
nowherenounUS /ˈnoʊwer/
an insignificant place
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
and nothing more
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
pacesnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪz/
plural of “pace” — the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
peremptoryadjectiveUS /pərˈemptəri/
offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
move hurridly
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
Saxy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The peremptory manner of the lad produced its effect, and Saxy Hutt paused and looked up at him.
express in words
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
in a vehement outcry
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
having a supporting base
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
trampsnounUS /træmpz/
plural of “tramp” — a vagrant
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
at the time that
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading One of the tramps was standing on the ground in front or below him, while the second was approaching from the rear or only a few paces farther off.
which person or people
From this reading And Hoke Butler, who should have been instant to rush to the help of his friend, was nowhere in sight.
belonging to which person
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Mike Murphy’s ready wit did not desert him at the moment when, as may be said, he discovered he was caught between two fires.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading “I say, docther, why don’t ye hurry up?” shouted Mike, as if calling over the head of the grinning hobo, whose eyes were fixed upon him with a dangerous expression, as if he had decided to even up matters for previous humiliations.
