used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
aboard-ship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
(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 It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
barelyadverbUS /ˈberli/
only a very short time before
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
cleanlinessnounUS /ˈklenlinɪs/
the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
coffee-drinker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
cookedadjectiveUS /kʊkt/
having been prepared for eating by the application of heat
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
DuffnounUS /dʌf/
a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
DUFF'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
eaternounUS /ˈiːtər/
someone who consumes food for nourishment
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
set up or found
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
usually; as a rule
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
hardtacknoun
very hard unsalted biscuit or bread; a former ship's staple
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
heartyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrti/
showing warm and heartfelt friendliness
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
hungernounUS /ˈhʌŋɡər/
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
and nothing more
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
nibbledverbUS /ˈnɪbəld/
past form of “nibble” — bite off very small pieces
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
perfectionnounUS /pərˈfekʃən/
the state of being without a flaw or defect
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
on the contrary
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
Ryder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
Seamew's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
SHREWDNESSnounUS /ˈʃruːdnəs/
intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings)
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
standardadjectiveUS /ˈstændərd/
conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
stoolnounUS /stuːl/
a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
tastedverbUS /ˈteɪstɪd/
past form of “taste” — have flavor; taste of something
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In this he had been encouraged by his aunt Ruth, and, to a certain extent, by his father.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
under normal conditions
From this reading He refused the coffee――which, as Captain Duff was a great coffee-drinker, was of a better quality than that usually furnished aboard-ship――nibbled at a bit of hardtack, and then pushed back his stool.
precisely as stated
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CAPTAIN DUFF’S SHREWDNESS Although Phil Ryder was generally a hearty eater, he had a dainty taste, and was very particular about his food.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Now, therefore, he found the _Seamew’s_ table so far beneath his standard of perfection, and so very different from those to which he had been accustomed, that he barely tasted the food prepared for that breakfast.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It must be what he liked, it must be cooked just so, and, above all, it must be served with cleanliness, or he would rather experience a considerable degree of hunger than touch it.
