used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
admittancenounUS /ədˈmɪtəns/
the right to enter
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
clinked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
contortionsnounUS /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/
plural of “contortion” — the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
firmly closed or secured
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
obtain
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
brought together in one place
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
GOD'SnounUS /ɡɑːdz/
possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
Martin'snounUS /ˈmɑːrtənz/
possessive form of “martin” — French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
mossnounUS /mɔːs/
tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
outcastnounUS /ˈaʊtkæst/
a person who is rejected (from society or home)
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
particlenounUS /ˈpɑːrtəkəl/
(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
pathfinders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
Pete's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
ploddingnounUS /ˈplɑːdɪŋ/
hard monotonous routine work
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
prospectorsnounUS /ˈprɔːspektərz/
plural of “prospector” — someone who explores an area for mineral deposits
From this reading They were prospectors, the pathfinders of the country, the advance guard of civilization.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
snugadjectiveUS /snʌɡ/
offering safety; well protected or concealed
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
possessing sweep
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
timbersnounUS /ˈtɪmbərz/
plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Christmas Eve, and for that reason six men were gathered together at "Old Pete's," as he was commonly called.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading They had travelled far for that occasion, and were thoroughly enjoying it in their own quiet way.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading GOD'S GENTLEMEN The storm which twisted the forest into wild contortions, and swept the snow around the plodding outcast, beat itself in vain against Peter Martin's snug log cabin.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It did its best, however, to find an entrance, but the timbers were well clinked with moss, while the door and small window were so securely fastened that not a particle of snow could gain admittance.
