used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
declineverbUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
grow worse
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
the act of departing
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
diningnounUS /ˈdaɪnɪŋ/
the act of eating dinner
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
enabledverbUS /eˈneɪbəld/
past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
accept an excuse for
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
firingnounUS /ˈfaɪrɪŋ/
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
and nothing more
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
MELBOURNEnounUS /ˈmelbərn/
a resort town in east central Florida
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
minesnounUS /maɪnz/
plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
not in physical motion
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
Murden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
NATIVESnounUS /ˈneɪtɪvz/
plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
not any; not one
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
ownedadjectiveUS /oʊnd/
having an owner; often used in combination
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
saddlesnounUS /ˈsædəlz/
plural of “saddle” — a seat for the rider of a horse or other animal
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
speedyadjectiveUS /ˈspiːdiː/
characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
be standing; be upright
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
suppingnoun
ingestion of liquid food with a spoon or by drinking
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
surplusnounUS /ˈsɜːrpləs/
a quantity much larger than is needed
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
the act of using
From this reading We were enabled to buy them, owing to a surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for.
visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/
the activity of making visits
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or pistols from their backs.
in the company of; together with
From this reading DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES.
but in spite of that
From this reading During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the mines.
