12th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
1771
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SELBORNE, 1771.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
bendverbUS /bend/
form a curve
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
caprimulgusnoun
type genus of the Caprimulgidae
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
chafers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
clawnounUS /klɔː/
sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
contemplatingverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
curiouslyadverbUS /ˈkjʊriəsli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
dearly loved
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
evolutions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
exceedingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/
far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
fern-chafers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
fern-owl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
genusnounUS /ˈdʒiːnəs/
a general kind of something
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
highest in quality
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
JulynounUS /ˌdʒuːˈlaɪ/
the month following June and preceding August
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
for more time
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
used to form the superlative
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
motionsnounUS /ˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “motion” — the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
not any; not one
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
oaknounUS /oʊk/
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
on one occasion
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
preynounUS /preɪ/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
cut with a saw
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
scarabaei
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
SELBORNE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SELBORNE, 1771.
serratedadjectiveUS /ˈsereɪtɪd/
notched like a saw with teeth pointing toward the apex
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
term of address for a man
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
solstitiales
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
express a supposition
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
swallowverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊ/
pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
swarmedverbUS /swɔːrmd/
past form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
toenounUS /toʊ/
one of the digits of the foot
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
the act of using
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its mouth.
wingnounUS /wɪŋ/
a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Dear Sir,--On the 12th July I had a fair opportunity of contemplating the motions of the _caprimulgus_, or fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed with _scarabaei solstitiales_, or fern-chafers.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading The powers of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus.
