used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
abstemiousadjective
sparing in consumption of especially food and drink
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
boutnounUS /baʊt/
(sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
contractsnounUS /ˈkɑːntrækts/
plural of “contract” — a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
court-yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
hackneynounUS /ˈhækni/
a carriage for hire
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
horse-dealer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
a social unit living together
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
Lanty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
Lanty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
Lawler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
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 The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
not one, and not any
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
O'Donoghue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
a course of conduct
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
potations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
ratifiedadjectiveUS /ˈrætəfaɪd/
formally approved and invested with legal authority
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
solemnitynounUS /səˈlemnəti/
a trait of dignified seriousness
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
not in physical motion
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
carry out
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
in the direction of
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
a just detectable amount
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lanty Lawler was stirring the first in the house.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
wearinessnounUS /ˈwɪrinəs/
temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
weed-grown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
well-accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The late sitting of the preceding evening, and the deep potations he had indulged in, left little trace of weariness on his well-accustomed frame.
wended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
in or at the place that
From this reading All was still and silent then as the horse-dealer descended the stairs, and took the path towards the stable, where he had left his hackney the night before.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was Lanty's intention to take possession of his new purchase, and set out on his journey before the others were stirring; and with this object he wended his way across the weed-grown garden, and into the wide and dreary court-yard of the building.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Few contracts were ratified in those days without the solemnity of a drinking bout, and the habits of the O'Donoghue household were none of the most abstemious.
