used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
(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 Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
charitableadjectiveUS /ˈtʃærətəbəl/
relating to or characterized by charity
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
charitynounUS /ˈtʃerɪti/
a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
a small house with a single story
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
dwellersnounUS /ˈdwelərz/
plural of “dweller” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
Englishman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
EnglishwomannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃwʊmən/
a woman who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
familiaritynounUS /fəˌmɪˈljerəti/
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
a social unit living together
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
GRANNYnounUS /ˈɡræni/
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
implyverbUS /ˌɪmˈplaɪ/
express or state indirectly
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
invadesverbUS /ˌɪnˈveɪdz/
third-person singular of “invade” — march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
labouringadjective
doing arduous or unpleasant work
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
neighbournounUS /ˈneɪbər/
a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
on one occasion
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
prevailingadjectiveUS /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/
most frequent or common
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/
a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
prouderadjectiveUS /ˈpraʊdər/
comparative of “proud” — feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
proximitynounUS /prɑːkˈsɪməti/
the property of being close together
From this reading Here, proximity does not imply familiarity.
To recall to mind.
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
ScotnounUS /skɑːt/
a native or inhabitant of Scotland
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
Scotchman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
sitsverbUS /sɪts/
third-person singular of “sit” — be seated
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading GRANNY TAKES A STRONG ATTITUDE IF an Englishman’s house is his castle, a Scotchman’s cottage is his fortress.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
toleratedverbUS /ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/
past form of “tolerate” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
TweednounUS /twiːd/
thick woolen fabric used for clothing; originated in Scotland
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
unabashedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈbæʃt/
not embarrassed
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
uninvitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈvaɪtɪd/
(of a thought or act) unwelcome or involuntary
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
except if; if not
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
the topmost one of two
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
someone who visits
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Once invited into the house, his visit will at all times be welcomed; but the visitor will do well to remember, as he sits in the best chair at the hearth, that he does so by privilege alone.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
which person or people
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The custom prevailing in England by which the upper and middle classes will walk, uninvited and unabashed, into a poor man’s abode has never been tolerated by the prouder dwellers north of the Tweed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is true that the Englishman, or more probably the Englishwoman, who thus invades the labouring man’s family will often do so on a charitable errand; but, unless the Scot is already on friendly terms with his superior neighbour, he neither desires his charity nor his company.
