adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
assignedadjectiveUS /əˈsaɪnd/
appointed to a post or duty
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
barredadjectiveUS /bɑːrd/
preventing entry or exit or a course of action
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
beardedadjectiveUS /ˈbɪrdəd/
having hair on the cheeks and chin
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
Bessie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
burgomaster'snounUS /ˈbɜːrɡəmæstərz/
possessive form of “burgomaster” — a mayor of a municipality in Germany or Holland or Flanders or Austria
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
capnounUS /kæp/
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
commandantnounUS /ˌkɑːmənˈdɑːnt/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
comradesnounUS /ˈkɑːmrædz/
plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
constablesnounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəlz/
plural of “constable” — a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/
a conference (usually with someone important)
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
darknounUS /dɑːrk/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
der
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
dinnernounUS /ˈdɪnər/
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
Doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
doornounUS /dɔːr/
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
entrynounUS /ˈentri/
an item inserted in a written record
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
flightnounUS /flaɪt/
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
handsnounUS /hændz/
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
homenounUS /hoʊm/
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
intelligibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəbəl/
capable of being apprehended or understood
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
JannounUS /dʒæn/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
light-blueadjective
of a light shade of blue
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
MarianounUS /mərˈiːə/
a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
morions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
motleynounUS /ˈmɑːtli/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
noonnounUS /nuːn/
the middle of the day
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
officersnounUS /ˈɔːfəsərz/
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
ostrich-plume
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
PeternounUS /ˈpiːtər/
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
probablyadverbUS /ˈprɑːbəbliː/
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
quartersnounUS /ˈkwɔːrtərz/
housing available for people to live in
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
raisedadjectiveUS /reɪzd/
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
rectangularadjectiveUS /rekˈtæŋɡjələr/
having four right angles
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
respectfullyadverbUS /rɪˈspektfəli/
in a respectful manner
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
salutedverbUS /səˈluːtɪd/
past form of “salute” — propose a toast to
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
showingnounUS /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/
the display of a motion picture
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
soldiernounUS /ˈsoʊldʒər/
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
soldiersnounUS /ˈsoʊldʒərz/
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
stepsnounUS /steps/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
streamedverbUS /striːmd/
past form of “stream” — to extend, wave or float outward, as if in the wind
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/
confined on all sides
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
teethnounUS /tiːθ/
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
topnounUS /tɑːp/
the upper part of anything
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
tryingadjectiveUS /ˈtraɪɪŋ/
hard to endure
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
upwardadjectiveUS /ˈʌpwərd/
directed up
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
VannounUS /væn/
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 Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
waitingnounUS /ˈweɪtɪŋ/
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading She pleasantly returned the greeting and passed into the entry, where the full light of noon streamed in through the open door.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The latter had his back towards her and was showing Bessie his dark velvet cap, surrounded by rectangular teeth, above which floated a beautiful light-blue ostrich-plume.
wifenounUS /waɪf/
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading The burgomaster's wife returned home just before dinner, and found a motley throng of bearded warriors assembled in front of the house, they were trying to make themselves intelligible in the English language to some of the constables, and when the latter respectfully saluted Maria, raised their hands to their morions also.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Peter had assigned quarters to the English soldiers outside, and after a consultation with the new commandant, Jan Van der Does, gave them officers.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading They were probably waiting for their comrades, for when the young wife had ascended the first steps of the staircase and looked upward, she found the top of the narrow flight barred by the tall figure of a soldier.
