used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
BRUSHINGHAM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
CAPTUREverbUS /ˈkæptʃər/
succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
carsnounUS /kɑːrz/
plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
intentionally conceived
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
Donohue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
any strong feeling
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
enginenounUS /ˈendʒən/
motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
divisible by two
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
firemannounUS /ˈfaɪrmən/
play in which children pretend to put out a fire
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
gruffadjectiveUS /ɡrʌf/
brusque and surly and forbidding
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
hostileadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːstəl/
characterized by enmity or ill will
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
independencenounUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/
freedom from control or influence of another or others
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
Jawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
not one, and not any
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
oilingverbUS /ˈɔɪlɪŋ/
-ing form of “oil” — cover with oil, as if by rubbing
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
preparatoryadjectiveUS /prɪˈperətɔːri/
preceding and preparing for something
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
the possibility of future success
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
quotanounUS /ˈkwoʊtə/
a prescribed number
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
rebukesnounUS /riˈbjuːks/
plural of “rebuke” — an act or expression of criticism and censure
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
superiorsnounUS /suːˈpɪriərz/
plural of “superior” — one of greater rank or station or quality
From this reading Conscious of his ability, proud in his experience, Jawn grew daily more bitter at the prospect before him, and more hostile to his superiors.
believed likely
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
switchverbUS /swɪtʃ/
change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
create by training and teaching
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is hard upon a man to lose ground in the great struggle.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
veneernounUS /vəˈnɪr/
coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood glued to a base of inferior wood
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
WednesdaynounUS /ˈwenzdi/
the fourth day of the week; the third working day
From this reading A CAPTURE AT BRUSHINGHAM On the same Wednesday morning Jawn Donohue was oiling the old switch engine preparatory to making up a train of coal cars.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Since his ride with the President, Jawn had been even more silent than before.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading His work had been done with the same gruff independence, and his fireman had received the usual quota of stern rebukes; in fact, Jawn was outwardly so like his old self that none suspected him of emotion, but Jawn knew how thin was the veneer.
