used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the sacred writings of the Christian religions
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
Brydges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
deviousadjectiveUS /ˈdiːviəs/
indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
elasticadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæstɪk/
capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
at any time
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
faire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
flocksnounUS /flɑːks/
plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
great-unclenoun
an uncle of your father or mother
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
highest in quality
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
helpingnounUS /ˈhelpɪŋ/
an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
Holford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
a small worthless amount
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
LucasnounUS /ˈluːkəs/
United States screenwriter and filmmaker (born in 1944)
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
musclesnounUS /ˈmʌsəlz/
plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
on one occasion
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the local environment
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
pasturesnounUS /ˈpæstʃərz/
plural of “pasture” — a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
recallingverbUS /rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/
-ing form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
restoreverbUS /rɪˈstɔːr/
return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
a general conscious awareness
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
SHEPHERD'SnounUS /ˈʃepərdz/
possessive form of “shepherd” — a clergyman who watches over a group of people
From this reading THE SHEPHERD'S TALE.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
term of address for a man
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
Spratnoun
small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE SHEPHERD'S TALE.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SHEPHERD'S TALE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
unenclosedadjective
not closed in our surrounded or included
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
wanderingsnounUS /ˈwɑːndərɪŋz/
plural of “wandering” — travelling about without any clear destination
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
look attentively
From this reading Jack Lucas was lying on the short, elastic grass on the side of Holford Hill, helping his great-uncle, Thomas Sprat, to watch the large flocks of Sir John Brydges, the greatest man in these parts.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Four or five weeks of country air and country faire had done much to restore the roses to his cheeks and the strength to his muscles.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading He began once more to feel that life was worth having for the mere sake of living; to feel a keen enjoyment in climbing the steep hills, in following the sheep in their devious wanderings over the unenclosed pastures, and recalling to a sense of its duty any one of them which showed a disposition to stray too far.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Uncle Thomas," said Jack, "did you ever see a Bible?"
