used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
bached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
blackedverbUS /blækt/
past form of “black” — make or become black
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
blackenverbUS /ˈblækən/
make or become black
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
blinkingadjectiveUS /ˈblɪŋkɪŋ/
closing the eyes intermittently and rapidly
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
BoylenounUS /bɔɪl/
United States writer (1902-1992)
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
CannedadjectiveUS /kænd/
recorded for broadcast
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
crowningadjectiveUS /ˈkraʊnɪŋ/
representing a level of the highest possible achievement or attainment
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
diggingnounUS /ˈdɪɡɪŋ/
the act of digging
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
dishesnounUS /ˈdɪʃəz/
plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
Double-Crank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
embellishmentnounUS /emˈbelɪʃmənt/
elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
foremannounUS /ˈfɔːrmən/
a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
set up or found
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
foundationnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
glovedadjectiveUS /ɡlʌvd/
having the hands covered with gloves
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
house-cleaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
inexperiencenounUS /ˌɪnɪkˈspɪriəns/
lack of experience and the knowledge and understanding derived from experience
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
instinctsnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
intendingverbUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪŋ/
-ing form of “intend” — have in mind as a purpose
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
and nothing more
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
kickverbUS /kɪk/
drive or propel with the foot
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
a particular point in time
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Billy had "bached" a great deal, but he had never blacked a stove in his life.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
and nothing more
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
packagenounUS /ˈpækədʒ/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
predecessornounUS /ˈpredəsesər/
one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
established beyond doubt
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
on the contrary
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
sardinenounUS /sɑːrˈdiːn/
small fatty fish usually canned
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
in the near future
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
stove-blacking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That he had left it as a crowning embellishment, rather than making it the foundation of his house-cleaning, only proved his inexperience in that line.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
in or at that place or location
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
throesnounUS /θroʊz/
violent pangs of suffering
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
top-hands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
in or at the place that
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Some predecessor with domestic instincts had left behind him half a package of "Rising Sun," and Billy had found it and was intending to blacken the stove just as soon as he finished the dishes.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _Canned._ The foreman came in, blinking at the sudden change from bright light to half twilight, and Charming Billy took the opportunity to kick a sardine can of stove-blacking under the stove where it would not be seen.
a late time of life
From this reading The foreman passed gloved fingers over his eyes, held them there a moment, took them away and gazed in amazement; since he had been foreman of the Double-Crank--and the years were many--Charming Billy Boyle had been one of its "top-hands," and he had never before caught him in the throes of "digging out."
