used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
(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 With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
barrelsnounUS /ˈbærəlz/
the amount that many barrels might hold
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
Bildad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
blackly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
brightnessnounUS /ˈbraɪtnəs/
the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
buckshotnounUS /ˈbʌkʃɑːt/
small lead shot for shotgun shells
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
capsnounUS /kæps/
plural of “cap” — a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
clothing in general
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
DorisnounUS /ˈdɔːrəs/
(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
double-barreledadjective
having two barrels mounted side by side
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
doughyadjectiveUS /ˈdoʊi/
having the consistency of dough because of insufficient leavening or improper cooking
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
fearsomeadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrsəm/
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
gleamedverbUS /ɡliːmd/
past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
hammersnounUS /ˈhæmərz/
plural of “hammer” — the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
an opening into or through something
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
immaculateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmækjuːlɪt/
completely neat and clean
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
intentionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃənz/
plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
loadedadjectiveUS /ˈloʊdɪd/
filled with a great quantity
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
lumpnounUS /lʌmp/
a compact mass
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
joined in matrimony
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
the force of workers available
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
menacingadjectiveUS /ˈmenəsɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
Merriam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
muzzle-loadingadjective
(of firearms) taking the projectile or cartridge through the muzzle
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
Orla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
ornateadjectiveUS /ɔːrˈneɪt/
marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
pegsnounUS /peɡz/
plural of “peg” — a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
percussionnounUS /pərˈkʌʃən/
the act of playing a percussion instrument
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
plasterverbUS /ˈplæstər/
apply a heavy coat to
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
protruded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
RouseverbUS /raʊs/
become active
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
shotgunnounUS /ˈʃɑːtɡʌn/
firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
whitewashedadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪtwɑːʃt/
coated with whitewash
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
which person or people
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
WilkinsnounUS /ˈwɪlkɪnz/
United States civil rights leader (1901-1981)
From this reading Dark and menacing, the shotgun lay blackly along that immaculate wall, and by its presence prevented Doris Wilkins from getting married.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Both barrels were loaded with ample charges of buckshot, and two percussion caps gleamed with sinister brightness under the ornate hammers.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading By William Merriam Rouse Tale of Bildad Road A double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotgun rested upon two wooden pegs which protruded front the neatly whitewashed plaster of the kitchen wall.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading Wilkins was large and smiling, one of those doughy men who lump out their clothes in the wrong places.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading With that fearsome weapon, capable at close range of blowing a hole through the side of a house, Orla Wilkins guarded his sister from all young men who approached with serious intentions.
