used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
aboundingadjectiveUS /əˈbaʊndɪŋ/
existing in abundance
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
anew
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
(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 WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IGNEOUS FORMATION—VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.
appropriateverbUS /əˈproʊpriət/
give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
AUDITORIUMnounUS /ˌɔːdəˈtɔːriəm/
the area of a theater or concert hall where the audience sits
From this reading AUDITORIUM.
auspicesnounUS /ˈɔːspɪsɪz/
kindly endorsement and guidance
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
bangverbUS /bæŋ/
strike violently
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
belatedadjectiveUS /bɪˈleɪtɪd/
after the expected or usual time; delayed
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
beldames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
bleakadjectiveUS /bliːk/
offering little or no hope
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
blearverb
make dim or indistinct
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
brimstonenounUS /ˈbrɪmstoʊn/
an old name for sulfur
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
canticlenoun
a hymn derived from the Bible
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
cockverbUS /kɑːk/
tilt or slant to one side
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/
the state of being suitable or opportune
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
drearadjective
causing dejection
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
dubitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
EARTHQUAKESnounUS /ˈɜːrθkweɪks/
plural of “earthquake” — shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity
From this reading IGNEOUS FORMATION—VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
FORMATIONnounUS /fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit
From this reading IGNEOUS FORMATION—VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
functionarynounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃəneri/
a worker who holds or is invested with an office
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
brought together in one place
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
a state of high honor
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
gongnounUS /ɡɔːŋ/
a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading THE GRAND PALAVER.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
gudgeons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
hellishadjectiveUS /ˈhelɪʃ/
(informal) very unpleasant
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
hingesnounUS /ˈhɪndʒɪz/
plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
hissedverbUS /hɪst/
past form of “hiss” — make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
IGNEOUSadjectiveUS /ˈɪɡniəs/
produced under conditions involving intense heat
From this reading IGNEOUS FORMATION—VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
jointnounUS /dʒɔɪnt/
(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
limberadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmbər/
(used of e.g. personality traits) readily adaptable
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to form the superlative
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
PALAVERverb
speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
From this reading THE GRAND PALAVER.
plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
pitchnounUS /pɪtʃ/
the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
ProclamationnounUS /ˌprɑːkləˈmeɪʃən/
a formal public statement
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
rheumyadjective
moist, damp, wet (especially of air)
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
roaredverbUS /rɔːrd/
past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
SaharanounUS /səˈherə/
the world's largest desert (3,500,000 square miles) in northern Africa
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
sandwichedverbUS /ˈsændwɪtʃt/
past form of “sandwich” — make into a sandwich
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
sapientadjective
acutely insightful and wise
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
satisfact'ry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
singists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
storedverbUS /stɔːrd/
past form of “store” — keep or lay aside for future use
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
sungnounUS /sʌŋ/
the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GRAND PALAVER.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
in or at that place or location
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
up to a particular time
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
create by training and teaching
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
Twas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
twould
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
VOLCANOESnounUS /vɑːlˈkeɪnoʊz/
plural of “volcano” — a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt
From this reading IGNEOUS FORMATION—VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.
volunteerverbUS /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪr/
tell voluntarily
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
in the company of; together with
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading WITH passengers and boxes all aboard, With pitch abounding and with brimstone stored, With each convenience science can afford, With hellish flames beneath that hissed and roared, A fearful dubitation rose, ’twould seem, What kind of cock would best let on the steam; Whether to open by singing or prayer, Or bang a gong, as most appropriate there, To start, with happy auspices, the train; Then let her run, till gudgeons hum again, ’Twas argued in a satisfact’ry way, By sapient functionary old and gray, Some kind of canticle must first be sung, To limber up the hinges of the tongue, That, loose in joint, the sisters might go in And glory in this Grand Palaver win.
wrinkledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪŋkəld/
marked by wrinkles
From this reading Proclamation for singists to volunteer Brought forth beldames wrinkled, rheumy, and blear, Gathered from some Sahara bleak and drear, While here and there, a flower sandwiched between, From some belated garden, might be seen.
