used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
in addition
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
AprilnounUS /ˈeɪprəl/
the month following March and preceding May
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
arrogancenounUS /ˈerəɡəns/
overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
brought into existence
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
bread-winning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
BurnettnounUS /bərˈnet/
United States writer (born in England) remembered for her novels for children (1849-1924)
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
chrysalisnounUS /ˈkrɪsəlɪs/
pupa of a moth or butterfly enclosed in a cocoon
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
darnedadjectiveUS /dɑːrnd/
expletives used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
fastidiousadjectiveUS /fæˈstɪdiəs/
giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
feminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
freedverbUS /friːd/
past form of “free” — grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
FridaynounUS /ˈfraɪdi/
the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
a long fixed look
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
greenerynounUS /ˈɡriːnəri/
green foliage
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
honorsnounUS /ˈɑːnərz/
plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
incompatibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəbəl/
not compatible
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
institutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/
an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
instructornounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktər/
a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
and nothing more
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
KentuckynounUS /kənˈtʌki/
a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
many times at short intervals
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
professorshipnounUS /prəˈfesərʃɪp/
the position of professor
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
reverenceverbUS /ˈrevərəns/
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
scholarshipnounUS /ˈskɑːlərʃɪp/
financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
school-master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
SeminarynounUS /ˈseməneri/
a private place of education for the young
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
Shadyville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
Shadyville's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
shirtnounUS /ʃɜːrt/
a garment worn on the upper half of the body
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/
open and genuine; not deceitful
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
top-most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
valuedadjectiveUS /ˈvæljuːd/
(usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
a Caucasian
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
which person or people
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading It was Friday afternoon, and freed from the chrysalis of his bread-winning duties, he was about to spread his wings for the flight of his inclination.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had just closed the door of that sacred institution behind him, and with a sigh of relief which was incompatible with the honors of his professorship.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He looked out on the April greenery of the town with the fastidious gaze of one who has the world to choose from; for though he was a poor young school-master, clad in a shirt that had been darned too often, he was also a Burnett of Kentucky and born to a manner of leisure and arrogance.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Peter Burnett stood on the top-most of the broad white steps leading to the "Shadyville Seminary for Young Ladies."
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading But Peter had never duly valued his position of instructor to Shadyville's feminine youth, though his reverence for scholarship was deep and sincere.
