Chapter X

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

with brightness

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

small lead shot for shotgun shells

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "How's that?" exclaimed old Hercules.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

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

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality

From this reading "How's that?" exclaimed old Hercules.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading "How's that?" exclaimed old Hercules.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

a slight but appreciable amount

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

flesh of either quail or grouse

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

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

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

the principal law-enforcement officer in a county

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

hit with a missile from a weapon

From this reading "Someone shoot Amos Hammond?"

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

a person, without saying who

From this reading "Someone shoot Amos Hammond?"

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "How's that?" exclaimed old Hercules.

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

of the highest quality

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

possessive form of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

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

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Aye, he got a pepperin' with partridge shot," returned Widow Wilson brightly.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading THE WIDOW'S MITE "I see ye from the windy," said the old woman, "an' I sez, quick as winkin', there goes the sheriff a-lookin' for whoever shot Amos Hammond, sez I. So I lights out an' takes a short cut an' tops the fences like a breechy steer, an' here I be."

but in spite of that

From this reading "But I wisht it had been buckshot," she added, yet more brightly.