used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
BagdadnounUS /ˈbæɡdæd/
capital and largest city of Iraq; located on the Tigris River
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
billsnounUS /bɪlz/
plural of “bill” — a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
calamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
CaliphnounUS /ˈkæləf/
the civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
consolationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃən/
the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
approval
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
eider-ducks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
frogsnounUS /frɑːɡz/
plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
the act of departing
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
morselsnounUS /ˈmɔːrsəlz/
plural of “morsel” — a small quantity of anything
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
not any; not one
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
many times at short intervals
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
and nothing more
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
select carefully from a group
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
pitiableadjectiveUS /ˈpɪtiəbəl/
inspiring mixed contempt and pity
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
bring forth or yield
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
without much difficulty
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
sorrowfullyadverb
in a sorrowful manner
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
stomachsnounUS /ˈstʌməks/
plural of “stomach” — an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
storknounUS /stɔːrk/
large mostly Old World wading birds typically having white-and-black plumage
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
supportingadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
furnishing support and encouragement
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
thereinadverbUS /ðeˈrɪn/
(formal) in or into that thing or place
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Thus, for several days, did they wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields, which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily pick up.
which person or people
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
wingedadjectiveUS /wɪŋd/
having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind
From this reading In this pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see what was going on therein.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To the city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves, for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing to have such a bird for their master?
