used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
any thing at all
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
appealedverbUS /əˈpiːld/
past form of “appeal” — take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
botherverbUS /ˈbɑːðər/
take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
a boy or man
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
dismissverbUS /dɪˈsmɪs/
bar from attention or consideration
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
set up or found
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
gypsynounUS /ˈdʒɪpsi/
a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
jokingadjectiveUS /ˈdʒoʊkɪŋ/
characterized by jokes and good humor
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
and nothing more
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
LankyadjectiveUS /ˈlæŋki/
tall and thin and having long slender limbs
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
the sound of laughing
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
long-leggedadjective
having long legs
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
not divisible by two
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
and nothing more
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
schoolboynounUS /ˈskuːlbɔɪ/
a boy attending school
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
streaknounUS /striːk/
an unbroken series of events
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading But the long-legged chap certainly looked serious enough just then.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
triflingnounUS /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
vansnounUS /vænz/
plural of “van” — any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading His eyes followed the line of gypsy vans eagerly.
any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
WallacenounUS /ˈwɔːləs/
Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lanky was inclined, at times, to show an odd streak of humor, as Frank had long since found out.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading A MYSTERY OF THE WAGON The other two boys looked at Lanky curiously, as if to see whether he could be in earnest, or only joking.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If there was anything that appealed to Lanky Wallace it was a bit of mystery, and he had been known to bother his head for days and weeks over some trifling affair that the ordinary schoolboy would dismiss from his mind with a laugh.
