used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
Alick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
(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 All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
a youthful male person
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
Brattlesby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
bundlenounUS /ˈbʌndəl/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
Carnegy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
chokingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃoʊ.kɪŋ/
Causing difficulty in breathing.
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
Dempster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/
plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/
superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
immemorialadjectiveUS /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/
long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
manlyadjectiveUS /ˈmænli/
possessing qualities befitting a man
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
Northbourne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
picturedadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərd/
seen in the mind as a mental image
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
SEAMYadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmi/
showing a seam
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
skirtingadjectiveUS /ˈskɜːrtɪŋ/
being all around the edges; enclosing
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
sobsnounUS /sɑːbz/
plural of “sob” — a dyspneic condition
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
not in physical motion
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
a special situation
From this reading All boys, of course, secretly believe that it is a fine, manly thing to run away to sea.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
trammels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
hard to endure
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading From time immemorial it has sounded so well--in fiction.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The fugitives were Alick Carnegy and Ned Dempster, and each was trying his hardest to prevent his companion from hearing the choking sobs that could not be kept down.
at the time that
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
which person or people
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
From this reading Is there a boy breathing who has not pictured himself, free as a bird on the wing, shaking off the trammels of home in this fashion?
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading THE SEAMY SIDE OF LIFE It was a still, dark night when two short figures, each carrying a bundle, stole away from Northbourne, skirting Brattlesby Woods, and making for the old London road.
