used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
archaicadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈkeɪɪk/
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
for the reason that
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
BRET
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
burgeoningverbUS /ˈbɜːrdʒənɪŋ/
-ing form of “burgeon” — grow and flourish
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
confersverbUS /kənˈfɜːrz/
third-person singular of “confer” — have a conference in order to talk something over
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
DIALECTnounUS /ˈdaɪəlekt/
the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
ef
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
expandingverbUS /ɪkˈspændɪŋ/
-ing form of “expand” — extend in one or more directions
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
expressesnounUS /ɪkˈspresəz/
plural of “express” — mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
a social unit living together
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
go or come after and bring or take back
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
coins made of gold
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
HartenounUS /hɑːrt/
United States writer noted for his stories about life during the California gold rush (1836-1902)
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
HARTE'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
Johnson'snounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsənz/
possessive form of “johnson” — English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
Lowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
the local environment
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
PIONEERnounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
prosperitynounUS /prɑːˈsperəti/
an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
quaintnessnoun
the quality of being quaint and old-fashioned
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
she'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
Sionnoun
originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
speakernounUS /ˈspiːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
not in physical motion
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
stimulusnounUS /ˈstɪmjələs/
any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
Tasajara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
in or at that place or location
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
the act of using
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
usesnounUS /ˈjuːsəz/
plural of “use” — the act of using
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
verbnounUS /vɜːrb/
the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
(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 The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading The verb to _use_, in this sense, may still be heard in some parts of New England as well as in the West.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire
From this reading Often, of course, the employment of an archaic expression confers upon the speaker that air of quaintness which the author wishes to convey.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Thus, in _A First Family of Tasajara_ we read that "the former daughters of Sion were there, _burgeoning_ and expanding in the glare of their new prosperity with silver and gold."
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Johnson's Old Woman, for example, "'Lowed she'd use a doctor, ef I'd fetch him."
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading BRET HARTE'S PIONEER DIALECT Occasionally Bret Harte uses an archaic word, not because it is archaic, but because it expresses his meaning better than any other, or gives the needed stimulus to the imagination of the reader.
