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The Puddleford Papers
The Puddleford Papers

Chapter XI

Chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers is here in full — 87 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/17 · 5 lines
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The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.
During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.
He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.
He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.
That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Puddleford Papers

Chapter XI

Chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers is here in full — 87 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/17 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.
Line 2
During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.
Line 3
He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.
/hiː wɑːz kɔːld baɪ ə ɡreɪt vərˈaɪəti ʌv neɪmz ənd ˈveri ˈseldəm əˈluːdɪd tuː wɪð rɪˈspekt/
Line 4
He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.
Line 5
That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

annals noun US /ˈænəlz/

reports of the work of a society or learned body etc

From this reading “During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.”

Buzzard noun US /ˈbʌzərd/

a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

Conflicting adjective US /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/

in disagreement

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

fall's noun US /fɔːlz/

possessive form of “fall” — the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading “During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.”

Longbow noun US /ˈlɔːŋboʊ/

a powerful wooden bow drawn by hand; usually 5-6 feet long; used in medieval England

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

Practitioners noun US /prækˈtɪʃənərz/

plural of “practitioner” — someone who practices a learned profession

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

Rationale noun US /ˌræʃəˈnæl/

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

scourge noun US /skɜːrdʒ/

a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

From this reading “The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

great variety adjective + noun

In this reading “He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.”

contend with verb + particle

In this reading “That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.”

hard names adjective + noun

In this reading “He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.”

in the annals preposition + article + noun counted as “in … annals”

In this reading “During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.”

frequently heard adverb + adjective

In this reading “During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.”

with respect preposition + noun

In this reading “He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.”

All words in this reading · 83

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

Ag-an-Fev

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

Ager

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

alludedverbUS /əˈluːdɪd/

past form of “allude” — make a more or less disguised reference to

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

annalsnounUS /ˈænəlz/

reports of the work of a society or learned body etc

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

BatesverbUS /beɪts/

third-person singular of “bate” — moderate or restrain; lessen the force of

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

Billerous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

BuzzardnounUS /ˈbʌzərd/

a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

ConditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

ConflictingadjectiveUS /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/

in disagreement

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

contendverbUS /kənˈtend/

maintain or assert

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

deniedverbUS /dɪˈnaɪd/

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

DuckverbUS /dʌk/

to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

fall'snounUS /fɔːlz/

possessive form of “fall” — the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

famousadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪməs/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

Fev-Nag

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

frequentlyadverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntli/

many times at short intervals

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

greatestadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtəst/

highest in quality

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

Hydergin

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

Jim

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

LongbownounUS /ˈlɔːŋboʊ/

a powerful wooden bow drawn by hand; usually 5-6 feet long; used in medieval England

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

MartyrsnounUS /ˈmɑːrtərz/

plural of “martyr” — one who suffers for the sake of principle

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

namesnounUS /neɪmz/

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

Oxergin

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

PioneernounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/

someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

PractitionersnounUS /prækˈtɪʃənərz/

plural of “practitioner” — someone who practices a learned profession

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

ProstrateverbUS /ˈprɑːstreɪt/

get into a prostrate position, as in submission

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

Puddleford

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

RationalenounUS /ˌræʃəˈnæl/

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

respectnounUS /rɪˈspekt/

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

ScourgenounUS /skɜːrdʒ/

a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

seldomadverbUS /ˈseldəm/

not often

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

ShakesnounUS /ʃeɪks/

plural of “shake” — building material used as siding or roofing

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

Shakin

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

Sile

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

SquirenounUS /skwaɪr/

young nobleman attendant on a knight

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

Teazle's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That he was the greatest scourge Puddleford had to contend with, no one denied.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

TheoriesnounUS /ˈθɪriz/

plural of “theory” — a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

VariousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

visitedverbUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪd/

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

WavenounUS /weɪv/

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading He was termed the "Fev-Nag," the "Ag-an-Fev," the "Shakin' Ager," the "Shakes," and a great variety of other hard names were visited upon him.

WestnounUS /west/

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The "Fev-Nag."--Conflicting Theories.--"Oxergin and Hydergin."--Teazle's Rationale.--The Scourge of the West.--Sile Bates, and his Condition.--Squire Longbow and Jim Buzzard.--Puddleford Prostrate.--Various Practitioners.--"The Billerous Duck."--Pioneer Martyrs.--Wave over Wave.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading During my first fall's residence at Puddleford, I frequently heard a character spoken of, who seemed to be full as famous in the annals of the place as Squire Longbow himself.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was called by a great variety of names, and very seldom alluded to with respect.

Chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers by Henry Hiram Riley holds 87 sentences, grouped into 18 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers contain?

Chapter 11 holds 87 sentences of The Puddleford Papers, unabridged, divided into 18 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers by Henry Hiram Riley exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 87 sentences, grouped into 18 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 11 of The Puddleford Papers?

Work through the 18 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 18 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 11 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 11 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Puddleford Papers

Common questions about reading The Puddleford Papers by Henry Hiram Riley on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Puddleford Papers?

Yes. All 4711 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #36678 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Puddleford Papers is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #36678, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Puddleford Papers take to read?

About 392 minutes of reading across 943 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Puddleford Papers section by section

How to work through The Puddleford Papers section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 22 chapters of The Puddleford Papers to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Puddleford Papers

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Puddleford Papers, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Humors
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Puddleford Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Riley
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Puddleford Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Original
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Puddleford Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Illustrations
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Puddleford Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.