used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
(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 There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
batteredadjectiveUS /ˈbætərd/
damaged by blows or hard usage
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
BrowniesnounUS /ˈbraʊniz/
plural of “brownie” — a junior Girl Scout
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
capsnounUS /kæps/
plural of “cap” — a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
coveynounUS /ˈkʌvi/
a small collection of people
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
the act of discovering something
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
dunenounUS /duːn/
a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
frayedadjectiveUS /freɪd/
worn away or tattered along the edges
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
hob-nailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
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 They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
a particular point in time
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
and nothing more
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
paddedadjectiveUS /ˈpædɪd/
softened by the addition of cushions or padding
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
by chance
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
piledverbUS /paɪld/
past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
POLICEMANnounUS /pəˈliːsmən/
a member of a police force
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
quailverbUS /kweɪl/
draw back, as with fear or pain
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
setsnounUS /sets/
plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
a particular situation
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
solvedadjectiveUS /sɑːlvd/
explained or answered
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
suspensenounUS /səˈspens/
apprehension about what is going to happen
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
tarnishedverbUS /ˈtɑːrnɪʃt/
past form of “tarnish” — make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
tidesnounUS /taɪdz/
plural of “tide” — the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
uniformsnounUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmz/
plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
valuesnounUS /ˈvæljuːz/
beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
precisely as stated
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
viewedverbUS /vjuːd/
past form of “view” — deem to be
From this reading There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman, for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment would the mystery be solved.
