used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
aggressiveadjectiveUS /əˈɡresɪv/
having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
(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 All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
bedraggledadjectiveUS /bɪˈdræɡəld/
limp and soiled as if dragged in the mud
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
bestowingverbUS /bɪˈstoʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “bestow” — present
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
bird-song
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
bosquets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
brilliantlyadverbUS /ˈbrɪljəntli/
with brightness
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
briskadjectiveUS /brɪsk/
quick and energetic
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
butterfliesnounUS /ˈbʌtərflaɪz/
plural of “butterfly” — diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
chirrupnoun
a series of chirps
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
fadedadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪdəd/
having lost freshness or brilliance of color
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
flutteredverbUS /ˈflʌtərd/
past form of “flutter” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
fountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/
a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
giddyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪdi/
having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
hazenounUS /heɪz/
atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
hosenounUS /hoʊz/
socks and stockings and tights collectively (the British include underwear)
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
huedverbUS /hjuːd/
past form of “hue” — take on color or become colored
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
irrepressibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrəˈpresəbəl/
impossible to repress or control
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/
an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
immediately past
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
listlesslyadverbUS /ˈlɪstləsli/
in a listless manner
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
mantlesnounUS /ˈmæntəlz/
plural of “mantle” — the cloak as a symbol of authority
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
the force of workers available
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
MIRRAB
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
mud-stained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
a brief written record
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/
the month following October and preceding December
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
a purple color or pigment
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
raggedadjectiveUS /ˈræɡəd/
being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
except for; apart from
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
a particular situation
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
sparrowsnounUS /ˈsperoʊz/
plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading All bird-song was silent, save the harsh chirrup of aggressive sparrows and the occasional brisk note of an irrepressible robin.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
swooningadjectiveUS /ˈswuːnɪŋ/
weak and likely to lose consciousness
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
terracesnounUS /ˈterəsəz/
plural of “terrace” — usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading POOR MIRRAB A few moments later the whole gay and giddy throng, like a flight of brilliantly hued butterflies, had fluttered out into the garden.
wintryadjectiveUS /ˈwɪntri/
characteristic of or occurring in winter
From this reading The wintry sun was bestowing its last cold kiss on the terraces and bosquets of the park.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
worstednounUS /ˈwɜːrstɪd/
a woolen fabric with a hard textured surface and no nap; woven of worsted yarns "he wore a worsted suit"
From this reading Close by the fountain a strange, dull group moved about somewhat listlessly--men and women, a dozen or so, in faded or ragged worsted mantles, shoes through which the flesh appeared, and mud-stained, bedraggled hose.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading Beyond, the landscape--wrapped in a delicate haze of purple--was gently swooning in the arms of this November afternoon.
