used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
agedadjectiveUS /eɪdʒd/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
(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 The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
borrowedverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊd/
past form of “borrow” — get temporarily
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
a period of 100 years
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
dumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
frolics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
gesturesnounUS /ˈdʒestʃərz/
plural of “gesture” — motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
holidaysnounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪz/
plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
legitimateadjectiveUS /ləˈdʒɪtəmət/
of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
maskedadjectiveUS /mæskt/
having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
masquenoun
a party of guests wearing costumes and masks
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
mimicrynounUS /ˈmɪmɪkri/
the act of mimicking; imitative behavior
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
absolutely essential
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
nineteenthadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪnˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the eighteenth in position
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
PANTOMIMEnounUS /ˈpæntəmaɪm/
a performance using gestures and body movements without words
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the local environment
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/
carry out or perform an action
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
participate in games or sport
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
To recall to mind.
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
Saturnalianoun
an orgiastic festival in ancient Rome in honor of Saturn
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
express in words
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
not in physical motion
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
successornounUS /səkˈsesər/
a person who follows next in order
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
survivedverbUS /sərˈvaɪvd/
past form of “survive” — continue to live and avoid dying
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is a play in which the actors say never a word but perform their parts in dumb show, that is, by signs and gestures.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
not known
From this reading Being almost unknown in America this word of explanation may be necessary.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
precisely as stated
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
in or at the place that
From this reading England borrowed the pantomime from Italy, where it has survived from the masked frolics of the Roman Saturnalia.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading PANTOMIME IN THE PAST AND PRESENT Some people still living (but they must be very aged people by now) may be able to remember the pantomime which was one of the great features of the Christmas holidays in early nineteenth century England, and may be looked upon as the legitimate successor of the ancient “masque.”
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
the words that are spoken
From this reading The word pantomime comes from two Greek words meaning “all mimicry.”
