used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
adjoiningverbUS /əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
adjournments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
afternoonsnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
(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 On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
cleanedverbUS /kliːnd/
past form of “clean” — make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
cock-fighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
Coe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
diligentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/
quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
dog-fighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
ENGINE-MAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
fortnightlyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪtli/
occurring every two weeks
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
insightnounUS /ˈɪnsaɪt/
clear or deep perception of a situation
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
KILLINGWORTH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
the act of departing
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
manlyadjectiveUS /ˈmænli/
possessing qualities befitting a man
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
observantadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvənt/
paying close attention especially to details
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
occupyingverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “occupy” — keep busy with
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
the local environment
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
pay-Saturday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
pitmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
QUAYnounUS /kiː/
wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
having a supporting base
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
StephensonnounUS /ˈstiːvənsən/
English railway pioneer who built the first passenger railway in 1825 (1781-1848)
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
studiousadjectiveUS /ˈstuːdiəs/
marked by care and effort
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
carry out
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/
painstakingly careful and accurate
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His friend Coe described him to the author as "a standing example of manly character."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
at the time that
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
WILLINGTON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He was diligent and observant while at work, and sober and studious when the day's work was done.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
workmannounUS /ˈwɜːrkmən/
an employee who performs manual or industrial labor
From this reading George Stephenson had now acquired the character of an expert workman.
yel-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, followed by adjournments to the "yel-house," George was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the purpose of obtaining "insight," and he cleaned all the parts and put the machine in thorough working order before leaving her.
