Chapter X

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

any thing at all

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

plural of “balk” — the area on a billiard table behind the balkline

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “bean” — any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae used for food

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “bolt” — a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

behave as expected during of holidays or rites

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading He was quite cheerful.

indicating a lack of maturity

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

delicately beautiful

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

anxious embarrassment

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

take in solid food

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

an opposing military force

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

a social unit living together

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

past form of “feast” — partake in a feast or banquet

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

past form of “joke” — tell a joke; speak humorously

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “ladle” — a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

a supply of food especially for a household

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

plural of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in America in many varieties; the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

the force of workers available

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

not any; not one

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

domestic swine

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He was quite cheerful.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “riddle” — a difficult problem

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

in the near future

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

ostentatiously rich and superior in quality

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

the upper part of anything

From this reading Then he returned with his guests to the living apartments at the top of the house.

plural of “trough” — a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

precisely as stated

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He was quite cheerful.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

at the time that

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

which person or people

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading SOME RIDDLES AND A NURSERY RHYME Old Giulika, laughing with a childish delight in the discomfiture of the enemy, closed the door, and, since the bolts had been broken, had it barricaded with balks of timber that were kept on the ground floor.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He joked with the men of his family on their victory, and ordered the women, who showed no alarm, to prepare a sumptuous supper to celebrate it.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The larder, which consisted of two large dug-out troughs, did not contain anything very dainty; but a fowl and a young pig were soon simmering in a huge pot of beans, and on these, served in wooden ladles, and hard maize bread, the men feasted; the women would eat when their lords had finished.