Chapter VI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

later than; following

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

sealed vessel where water is converted to steam

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

clothing in general

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

with resolute determination

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

a small worthless amount

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

(used in the plural) a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

possessive form of “lee” — United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

any of several small spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Prosopis having small flowers in axillary cylindrical spikes followed by large pods rich in sugar

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

the second day of the week; the first working day

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

in motion

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

above and across; more than

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

as yourself

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

-ing form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

poke or thrust abruptly

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

the removal of soap with clean water in the final stage of washing

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

the sound made by beating a drum

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

move an implement through

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

the froth produced by soaps or detergents

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

the movement or sound of water

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

-ing form of “tuck” — fit snugly into

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Then tucking up his shirt-sleeves more firmly above his elbows, he went back to the tub by the kitchen door, and, plunging his arms into the suds, began the monotonous swash and rub-a-dub of clothes and knuckles on the wash-board.

which person or people

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

a Native American lodge frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides

From this reading WASH-DAY AND WASHINGTON IT was wash-day at Ware's Wigwam; the first that Joyce and Jack had personally conducted, as it was the first Monday after moving from Lee's ranch.

in the company of; together with

From this reading From time to time Jack stooped to poke another stick of mesquite into the blaze, or give the clothes in the boiler a stir with an old broom-handle.

-ing form of “wring” — twist and press out of shape

From this reading "We allee samee lak Chinamen," he said to Joyce, who was bending over another tub, rinsing and wringing.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Out in the back yard a big tin wash-boiler sat propped up on stones, above a glowing camp-fire.