used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
AbrahamnounUS /ˈeɪbrəhæm/
the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and the father of Isaac; according to Genesis, God promised to give Abraham's family (the Hebrews) the land of Canaan (the Promised Land); God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
axnounUS /æks/
an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
boisterousadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪstərəs/
noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
breechesnounUS /ˈbriːtʃɪz/
(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
bundlenounUS /ˈbʌndəl/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
carefully weighed
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
contrivancesnounUS /kənˈtraɪvənsɪz/
plural of “contrivance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
daytimenounUS /ˈdeɪtaɪm/
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
brought together in one place
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
habitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
LincolnnounUS /ˈlɪŋkən/
16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
mill-dam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
PILGRIMnounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəm/
someone who journeys in foreign lands
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
railsnounUS /reɪlz/
a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
Sangamon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
softeningnounUS /ˈsɔːfənɪŋ/
the process of becoming softer
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
splitverbUS /splɪt/
separate into parts or portions
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
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 After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
stridesnounUS /straɪdz/
plural of “stride” — a step in walking or running
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
sun-down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
tarrying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
express in words
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading THE PILGRIM A few days after Abraham Lincoln had entered service to split rails for a new pair of breeches, he came to town late one afternoon to get an ax.
tumultnounUS /ˈtuːməlt/
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
From this reading The roar of the mill-dam sounded musical as if the twilight were softening its daytime boisterous tumult.
twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
ungainlyadjectiveUS /ənˈɡeɪnli/
lacking grace in movement or posture
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After tarrying a short time to tell a story or two, he started back about sun-down, his ax, on the handle of which was swung a bundle, over his shoulder.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His strides were long and easy, and, away from the small habitations and contrivances of mankind, he seemed to become one with the big things of nature, and what was sometimes considered lack of grace seemed now an easy expression of reserve force.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading As twilight gathered, the ungainly youth took his way along the road that ran not far from the smoothly flowing Sangamon.
