adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
barricadenounUS /ˈbærəkeɪd/
a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
beatverbUS /biːt/
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
bitteradjectiveUS /ˈbɪtər/
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
breachverbUS /briːtʃ/
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
chewingnounUS /ˈtʃuːɪŋ/
biting and grinding food in your mouth so it becomes soft enough to swallow
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/
a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
consoledverbUS /kənˈsoʊld/
past form of “console” — give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
cudnoun
food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
findingnounUS /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
fistsnounUS /fɪsts/
plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
follynounUS /ˈfɑːli/
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
fooledverbUS /fuːld/
past form of “fool” — make a fool or dupe of
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
footnounUS /fʊt/
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
gallnounUS /ɡɔːl/
an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
guessverbUS /ɡes/
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
hillnounUS /hɪl/
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
homewardsadverb
toward home
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
hurtverbUS /hɜːrt/
be the source of pain
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
JOAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
LEAVEverbUS /liːv/
go away from a place
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
mendverbUS /mend/
restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/
being nothing more than specified
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
Molly'snounUS /ˈmɑːliz/
possessive form of “molly” — popular aquarium fish
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
partiesnounUS /ˈpɑːrtiz/
plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
peacenounUS /piːs/
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
properlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːpərli/
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
pullverbUS /pʊl/
cause to move by pulling
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
reachverbUS /riːtʃ/
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
reflectionnounUS /rɪˈflekʃən/
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
riddenverbUS /ˈrɪdən/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
RIDEverbUS /raɪd/
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
seem'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
smoothadjectiveUS /smuːð/
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/
to a small degree or extent
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/
having a supporting base
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
threatsnounUS /θrets/
plural of “threat” — something that is a source of danger
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
thusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
topnounUS /tɑːp/
the upper part of anything
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
turnverbUS /tɜːrn/
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
vaporingnoun
an instance of boastful talk
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
wallnounUS /wɔːl/
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 And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
WARSnounUS /wɔːrz/
plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
waynounUS /weɪ/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
whollyadverbUS /ˈhoʊli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were, likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem’d a country more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden in the morning.
worstnounUS /wɜːrst/
the least favorable outcome
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading And the worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on Molly’s back I could not—by a foot or more—reach the top to pull myself over.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled.
