used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
having companions or an escort
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
armournounUS /ˈɑːrmər/
a military unit consisting of armored fighting vehicles
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
bangverbUS /bæŋ/
strike violently
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
a youthful male person
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
the act of departing
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
DuncannounUS /ˈdʌŋkən/
United States dancer and pioneer of modern dance (1878-1927)
From this reading Be a man, Duncan, my boy.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
gignounUS /ɡɪɡ/
long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading _Hilton Hall_.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
Hilton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Hilton Hall_.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Be a man, Duncan, my boy.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
nailsnounUS /neɪlz/
plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
omennounUS /ˈoʊmən/
a sign of something about to happen
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
in other respects or ways
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
compacted by ironing
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
on the contrary
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
studdedadjectiveUS /ˈstʌdɪd/
dotted or adorned with or as with studs or nailheads; usually used in combination
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
carry out
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading My father started, but said nothing; and, as it seemed to me, rather pressed my departure than otherwise.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
not known
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
in or at the place that
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As my father accompanied me to the door, where the gig, which was to carry me over the first stage of my journey, was in waiting, a large target of hide, well studded with brass nails, which had hung in the hall for time unknown--to me, at least--fell on the floor with a dull bang.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I would have replaced the old piece of armour before I went, but he would not allow me to touch it, saying, with a grim smile,-- “Take that for an omen, my boy, that your armour must be worn over the conscience, and not over the body.
