used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
AdriannounUS /ˈeɪdriən/
Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
BAR-S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
the act of breaking something
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
cubnounUS /kʌb/
an awkward and inexperienced youth
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
d'ye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
detestableadjective
offensive to the mind
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
Donald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
dumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
echoedverbUS /ˈekoʊd/
past form of “echo” — to say again or imitate
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
a boy or man
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
grimlyadverbUS /ˈɡrɪmli/
in a grim implacable manner
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
grinningnounUS /ˈɡrɪnɪŋ/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
half-grown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
hidingnounUS /ˈhaɪdɪŋ/
the activity of keeping something secret
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It must have been him!”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
hostlernounUS /ˈhɑːslər/
someone employed in a stable to take care of the horses
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
indignantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnənt/
angered at something unjust or wrong
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
inflictverbUS /ˌɪnˈflɪkt/
impose something unpleasant
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
and nothing more
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
make reference to
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must have been him!”
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
information about recent and important events
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
RANCHnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
ridernounUS /ˈraɪdər/
a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
tavernnounUS /ˈtævərn/
a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FIRST NEWS OF THE BAR-S RANCH.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
tortureverbUS /ˈtɔːrtʃər/
torment emotionally or mentally
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
interact in a certain way
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
ugly-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Just who it was!” said Donald, grimly, and his face told how gladly he would have taken pleasure in being one of several to treat the ugly-faced half-grown cub to a good hiding, to pay him for his detestable trick.
whipverbUS /wɪp/
beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
which person or people
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
Whoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “A mean trick!” echoed the indignant Adrian, “I’d like to help whip the fellow who would think it funny to inflict that torture on a poor dumb beast, not to mention having the rider run a chance of breaking his neck.
an affirmative
From this reading Whoever d’ye think could have been guilty—oh! yes, that grinning hostler at the village tavern.
