used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
AlligatornounUS /ˈæləɡeɪtər/
leather made from alligator's hide
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
attendantnounUS /əˈtendənt/
someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
belongingnounUS /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋ/
happiness felt in a secure relationship
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
bestowedverbUS /bɪˈstoʊd/
past form of “bestow” — present
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
a youthful male person
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
ConstancenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəns/
a lake in southeastern Germany on the northern side of the Swiss Alps; forms part of the Rhine River
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
Cuyp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
disapprovalnounUS /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/
a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
disgustedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡʌstəd/
having a strong distaste from surfeit
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
eggsnounUS /eɡz/
oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
enclosurenounUS /enˈkloʊʒər/
a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
freckledadjectiveUS /ˈfrekəld/
relating to or covered with or resembling freckles
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
grinningnounUS /ˈɡrɪnɪŋ/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
Gussie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
hennounUS /hen/
adult female chicken
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
inspectverbUS /ˌɪnˈspekt/
look over carefully
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
intendingverbUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪŋ/
-ing form of “intend” — have in mind as a purpose
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
interlockedverbUS /ˌɪntərˈlɑːkt/
past form of “interlock” — coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
jawsnounUS /dʒɔːz/
plural of “jaw” — the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
lady-crocodile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
largessnounUS /ˈlɑːrdʒəs/
a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
largestadjectiveUS /ˈlɑːrdʒəst/
superlative of “large” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
LivingstonnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋstən/
American Revolutionary leader who served in the Continental Congress and as minister to France (1746-1813)
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
impressiveness in scale or proportion
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
monochromaticadjectiveUS /ˌmɑːnəkroʊˈmætɪk/
of or relating to monochromatism
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
Palliser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
pumpsnounUS /pʌmps/
plural of “pump” — a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
on the contrary
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
saurians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
sentimentsnounUS /ˈsentəmənts/
plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
simpernounUS /ˈsɪmpər/
a silly self-conscious smile
From this reading "One perpetual and gigantic simper," he said, disgusted.
slumbered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
STRATEGYnounUS /ˈstrætədʒi/
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
a special situation
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
torpidadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrpəd/
slow and apathetic
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
undignifiedadjectiveUS /ənˈdɪɡnɪfaɪd/
lacking dignity
From this reading "Rather undignified for a thing as big as that to lay eggs like a hen," observed Cuyp, not intending to be funny.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
variouslyadverbUS /ˈveriəsli/
in diverse ways
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
verticaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/
at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
Vetchen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Wayward and Miss Palliser had wandered off together to inspect the pumps.
WaywardadjectiveUS /ˈweɪwərd/
resistant to guidance or discipline
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Vetchen bestowed largess upon the small, freckled boy attendant; and his distinguished disapproval upon the largest lady-crocodile which, with interlocked but grinning jaws, slumbered under a vertical sun in monochromatic majesty.
in the company of; together with
From this reading STRATEGY An hour or two later that afternoon Wayward and Constance Palliser, Gussie Vetchen, and Livingston Cuyp gazed with variously mingled sentiments upon the torpid saurians belonging to one Alligator Joe in an enclosure rather remote from the hotel.
