used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
accostingverbUS /əˈkɑːstɪŋ/
-ing form of “accost” — speak to someone
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
comelyadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmli/
according with custom or propriety
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
detainverbUS /dɪˈteɪn/
deprive of freedom; take into confinement
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
EVERYdeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
GENERATIONnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
good-humouredadjective
disposed to please
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
gregariousadjectiveUS /ɡrəˈɡeriəs/
(of animals) tending to form a group with others of the same species
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
leechnounUS /liːtʃ/
carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
likingnounUS /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/
a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
Marmaduke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
as might be expected
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
Nevile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the middle of the day
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
peculiarlyadverbUS /pɪˈkjuːljərli/
uniquely or characteristically
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
past form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
RODnounUS /rɑːd/
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
Sibyll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
skilfuladjective
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
carry out
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading He was, therefore, prayed to take his meal alone.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
thrivingadjectiveUS /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/
very lively and profitable
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
unwelcomeadjectiveUS /ənˈwelkəm/
not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
unwelladjectiveUS /ənˈwel/
somewhat ill or prone to illness
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
WarnernounUS /ˈwɔːrnər/
United States filmmaker who with his brothers founded the movie studio that produced the first talking picture (1881-1958)
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
at the time that
From this reading The next morning, when Marmaduke descended to the hall, Madge, accosting him on the threshold, informed him that Mistress Sibyll was unwell, and kept her chamber, and that Master Warner was never visible much before noon.
which person or people
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
WISERadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪzər/
comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He managed, therefore, to detain the old servant, who, besides the liking a skilful leech naturally takes to a thriving patient, had enough of her sex about her to be pleased with a comely face and a frank, good-humoured voice.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading "Alone" was a word peculiarly unwelcome to Marmaduke Nevile, who was an animal thoroughly social and gregarious.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THERE IS A ROD FOR THE BACK OF EVERY FOOL WHO WOULD BE WISER THAN HIS GENERATION.
