used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
anew
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
(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 When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
barnnounUS /bɑːrn/
an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
cacklingverbUS /ˈkækəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “cackle” — talk or utter in a cackling manner
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
calvesnounUS /kævz/
plural of “calf” — young of domestic cattle
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
cheeryadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪri/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
clatteringverbUS /ˈklætərɪŋ/
-ing form of “clatter” — make a rattling sound
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
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 When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
cowsnounUS /kaʊz/
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
dealtverbUS /delt/
inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
death-blow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
ducksnounUS /dʌks/
plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
every-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/
occurring in spells and often abruptly
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
flailverbUS /fleɪl/
give a thrashing to; beat hard
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
grievancesnounUS /ˈɡriːvənsəz/
plural of “grievance” — a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
gruntingverbUS /ˈɡrʌntɪŋ/
-ing form of “grunt” — issue a grunting, low, animal-like noise
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
hailverbUS /heɪl/
praise vociferously
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
homelyadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmli/
lacking in physical beauty or proportion
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
howlingnounUS /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/
a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
inflexibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfleksəbəl/
incapable of change
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
instructingverbUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktɪŋ/
-ing form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
a particular point in time
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
subject to death
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
overshadowedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊd/
past form of “overshadow” — be greater in significance than
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
pondnounUS /pɑːnd/
a small lake
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
poultrynounUS /ˈpoʊltri/
a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
quicker-witted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
rivalsnounUS /ˈraɪvəlz/
plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
Roger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
make steady
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
move an implement through
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
stronger-snouted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
suspensenounUS /səˈspens/
apprehension about what is going to happen
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
swinenounUS /swaɪn/
stout-bodied short-legged omnivorous animals
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
thrashingnounUS /ˈθræʃɪŋ/
a sound defeat
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
Tibnoun
a unit of information equal to 1024 gibibytes or 2^40 (1,099,511,627,776) bytes
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
Tib's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
unitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
unsuccessfuladjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəkˈsesfəl/
not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
at the time that
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
in or at the place that
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Were not we in dreadful suspense whether his whole life might not be overshadowed from this moment as with a curse?
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading All these homely, quiet sounds seemed stranger to me than the howling of the winds, and fitful clattering of the hail, through the night.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They made me feel impatient with the animals, and with Tib, and with the inflexible every-day course of things.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading When I awoke again, the cheerful stir of life had begun within and without the house--the ducks splashing in the pond in the front court; the unsuccessful swine and poultry grunting and cackling out their bill of grievances against their stronger-snouted or quicker-witted rivals; Tib's cheery voice instructing her cows and calves; and at intervals the pleasant regular beat of the flail in the barn, where they were thrashing the corn,--striking steady time to all the busy irregular sounds of animal life, and bringing them into a kind of unity.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Was not Roger--our own Roger--in agony worse than mortal sickness, in suspense whether or not his hand had dealt a death-blow.
