used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
abnounUS /æb/
a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
auxiliaries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
BoltnounUS /boʊlt/
a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
butcherverbUS /ˈbʊtʃər/
kill (animals) usually for food consumption
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
chickensnounUS /ˈtʃɪkənz/
plural of “chicken” — the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
a person who is in charge
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
commonwealthnounUS /ˈkɑːmənwelθ/
the official name of some states in the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kentucky) and associated territories (Puerto Rico)
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
Condottieri
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
contrastedverbUS /kənˈtræstəd/
past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
dormitorynounUS /ˈdɔːrmətɔːri/
a college or university building containing living quarters for students
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
economicaladjectiveUS /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪkəl/
using the minimum of time or resources necessary for effectiveness
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
elapsedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæpst/
(of time) having passed or slipped by
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
being one more than ten
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
genteeladjectiveUS /dʒenˈtiːl/
marked by refinement in taste and manners
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
greengrocernoun
a grocer who sells fresh fruits and vegetables
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
hastenverbUS /ˈheɪsən/
act or move at high speed
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
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 It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
mercenarynounUS /ˈmɜːrsəneri/
a person hired to fight for another country than their own
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
metropolitanadjectiveUS /ˌmetrəˈpɑːlətən/
relating to or characteristic of a metropolis
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
not any; not one
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
notablyadverbUS /ˈnoʊtəbli/
especially; in particular
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
omelettenoun
beaten eggs or an egg mixture cooked until just set; may be folded around e.g. ham or cheese or jelly
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
ovo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
performingnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
pikenounUS /paɪk/
a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
productsnounUS /ˈprɑːdəkts/
plural of “product” — commodities offered for sale
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
punctiliouslyadverb
in a punctilious manner
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
recruitsnounUS /rəˈkruːts/
plural of “recruit” — a recently enlisted soldier
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
regaledverbUS /rɪˈɡeɪld/
past form of “regale” — provide with choice or abundant food or drink
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
Roland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
sheepwalknoun
farm devoted to raising sheep
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
a male human offspring
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
son'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
talkernounUS /ˈtɔːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
thriftyadjectiveUS /ˈθrɪfti/
careful and diligent in the use of resources
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
torturedadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrtʃərd/
experiencing intense pain especially mental pain
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
precisely as stated
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
volunteerverbUS /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪr/
tell voluntarily
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."
belonging to which person
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.
but in spite of that
From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!