used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
Alec
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
any thing at all
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
power to direct or determine
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
elevatedadjectiveUS /ˈeləveɪtɪd/
raised above the ground
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
fakirs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
freaksnounUS /friːks/
plural of “freak” — a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
obtain
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
the act of departing
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
Hardin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
headingnounUS /ˈhedɪŋ/
a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
hypnotismnounUS /ˈhɪpnətɪzəm/
the act of inducing hypnosis
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
and nothing more
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
hear with intention
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
engage in
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
medicinenounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
be obedient to
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
patentverbUS /ˈpætənt/
obtain a patent for
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
patternounUS /ˈpætər/
plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
precisely, exactly
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
SandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
express in words
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
scoutnounUS /skaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
sellingnounUS /ˈselɪŋ/
the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
plural of “story” — 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 “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
carry out
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But hypnotism is going further than that.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Hugh Hardin elevated his eyebrows at hearing Billy say this.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
precisely as stated
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
weakeradjectiveUS /ˈwiːkər/
comparative of “weak” — wanting in physical strength
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
at the time that
From this reading “I’ll take you up on that in a minute,” said the scout master, “when Alec Sands comes along, for I see him heading this way right now.
who're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “I don’t take very much stock in anything of that sort, Billy,” he went on to remark, “though of course I know that one strong mind can gain more or less control over a weaker one, so as to make the other obey his will.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Well,” returned Billy, “you just wander around that way with me as if we wanted to look the freaks over, or listen to the patter of the fakirs who’re selling patent medicine and such things to the crowd, as well as telling them funny stories to keep them in good humor.”
