used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
anew
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
back-spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
bladenounUS /bleɪd/
especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
chiselnounUS /ˈtʃɪzəl/
an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
describingverbUS /dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/
-ing form of “describe” — give a description of
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
fitnessnounUS /ˈfɪtnəs/
the quality of being suitable
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
HaftnounUS /hæft/
the handle of a weapon or tool
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
inchesnounUS /ˈɪntʃəz/
plural of “inch” — a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
meritsnounUS /ˈmerəts/
plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
oaknounUS /oʊk/
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
openingsnounUS /ˈoʊpənɪŋz/
plural of “opening” — an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
performancesnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmənsəz/
plural of “performance” — a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/
plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
shuttings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
carry out
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
a special situation
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
precisely as stated
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The instrument I held in my hands was the very thing for the purpose, almost as good as a chisel.
(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, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
at the time that
From this reading Haft and blade were nearly of equal length, and when opened out, they measured about ten inches together.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading I have been thus particular in describing this knife; and from me it merits all that has been said, and far more, in praise of its good qualities; since, but for it, I should not now be alive to give an account of its wonderful performances.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Well, having opened the knife, and drawn my fingers along the blade, and felt it over and over again, in order to get acquainted with its form and fitness; and then, having examined the back-spring, and tried its strength by various openings and shuttings: having done all this, I went to work upon the hard oak.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You will wonder that I wanted to take all these precautions.
