used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
(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 Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
apronnounUS /ˈeɪprən/
a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
apronsnounUS /ˈeɪprənz/
plural of “apron” — a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
bibsnounUS /bɪbz/
plural of “bib” — top part of an apron; covering the chest
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
buttonholesnounUS /ˈbʌtənhoʊlz/
plural of “buttonhole” — a hole through which buttons are pushed
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
buttonsnounUS /ˈbʌtənz/
plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
dimnessnoun
the state of being poorly illuminated
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
apart from; not including
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
fasteningsnounUS /ˈfæsənɪŋz/
plural of “fastening” — restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
Fleckring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
fragileadjectiveUS /ˈfrædʒəl/
easily broken or damaged or destroyed
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
frocknounUS /frɑːk/
a long, loose outer garment
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
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 an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
housegirls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
housewivesnounUS /ˈhaʊswaɪvz/
plural of “housewife” — a wife who manages a household while her husband earns the family income
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
Louisa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
Maldon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
manipulationnounUS /məˌnɪpjəˈleɪʃən/
exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
and nothing more
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
not any; not one
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
perilsnounUS /ˈperəlz/
plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
pinafore-apron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
pinsnounUS /pɪnz/
plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
prominentadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːmənənt/
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
proudlyadverbUS /ˈpraʊdli/
with pride; in a proud manner
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
RachelnounUS /ˈreɪtʃəl/
(Old Testament) the second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
tapesnounUS /teɪps/
plural of “tape” — a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
toesnounUS /toʊz/
plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
unaspiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
uncompromisinglyadverb
in an uncompromising manner
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
virginnounUS /ˈvɜːrdʒɪn/
a person who has never had sex
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
waist-tied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
a Caucasian
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading But an immense blue pinafore-apron, covering the whole front of the figure except the head, hands, and toes.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading The prominent fact about her appearance was that she wore an apron.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Not one of those white, waist-tied aprons, with or without bibs, worn proudly, uncompromisingly, by a previous generation of unaspiring housewives and housegirls!
yawnedverbUS /jɔːnd/
past form of “yawn” — utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired
From this reading Its virtues were that it fully protected the most fragile frock against all the perils of the kitchen; and that it could be slipped on or off in one second, without any manipulation of tapes, pins, or buttons and buttonholes--for it had no fastenings of any sort and merely yawned behind.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading In the evening dimness of old Mrs. Maldon's sitting-room stood the youthful virgin, Rachel Louisa Fleckring.
