used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/
acquired as your own by free choice
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
(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 AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/
in an alternating sequence or position
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
Bachelor'snounUS /ˈbætʃələrz/
possessive form of “bachelor” — a man who has never been married
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
bulliedverbUS /ˈbʊlid/
inflected form of “bully” — be bossy towards
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
buttonsnounUS /ˈbʌtənz/
plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
chantedadjectiveUS /ˈtʃæntɪd/
sung or uttered rhythmically in a monotone
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
erectverbUS /ɪˈrekt/
construct, build, or erect
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
famouslyadverbUS /ˈfeɪməsli/
in a manner or to an extent that is well known
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
Gardener'snounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənərz/
possessive form of “gardener” — someone who takes care of a garden
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
gartersnounUS /ˈɡɑːrtərz/
plural of “garter” — a band (usually elastic) worn around the leg to hold up a stocking (or around the arm to hold up a sleeve)
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
shoot down, of birds
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
haven't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
HollyhocknounUS /ˈhɑːlihɑːk/
any of various plants of the genus Althaea; similar to but having smaller flowers than genus Alcea
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
hollyhocksnounUS /ˈhɑːlihɑːks/
plural of “hollyhock” — any of various plants of the genus Althaea; similar to but having smaller flowers than genus Alcea
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
inmatenounUS /ˈɪnmeɪt/
one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
insignificantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/
signifying nothing
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
kittennounUS /ˈkɪtən/
young domestic cat
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
Lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
held up in the air
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
occurring by chance
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
MANORnounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
MaplesnounUS /ˈmeɪpəlz/
plural of “maple” — wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
a particular point in time
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
in motion
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
noddingadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːdɪŋ/
having branches or flower heads that bend downward
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
parsonagenounUS /ˈpɑːrsənɪdʒ/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
patronizedadjectiveUS /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzd/
having patronage or clients
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
Shepherd'snounUS /ˈʃepərdz/
possessive form of “shepherd” — a clergyman who watches over a group of people
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
smocknounUS /smɑːk/
a loose coverall (coat or frock) reaching down to the ankles
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
move hurridly
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
From this reading Behind her, now running at full speed, now stopping suddenly, back lifted, tail erect, came Lucky, the black kitten from The Maples.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT THE MANOR "'All the names I know from nurse: Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse, Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock, And the Lady Hollyhock,'" Patience chanted, moving slowly about the parsonage garden, hands full of flowers, and the big basket, lying on the grass beyond, almost full.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
thrivingadjectiveUS /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/
very lively and profitable
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
toleratedverbUS /ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/
past form of “tolerate” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
Towser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Lucky had been an inmate of the parsonage for some weeks now and was thriving famously in her adopted home.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Towser tolerated her with the indifference due such a small, insignificant creature, and she alternately bullied and patronized Towser.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading "We haven't shepherd's purse, nor lady's smock, that I know of, Lucky," Patience said, glancing back at the kitten, at that moment threatening battle at a polite nodding Sweet William, "but you can see for yourself that we have hollyhocks, while as for bachelor's buttons!
