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The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

Chapter XX

Cover illustration for The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The Murderer Chuckles.
Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.
Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.
The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.
"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

Chapter XX

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The Murderer Chuckles.
Line 2
Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.
Line 3
Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.
Line 4
The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.
Line 5
"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

Understand noun US /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.”

All words in this reading · 115

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

able

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

accepted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

ago

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

aspect

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

Aunt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

Calendar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

case

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

caught

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

caution

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

Chuckles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Murderer Chuckles.

circumstantial

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

clearest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

confederate

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

Cooper

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

counsel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

day

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

diligence

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

discovered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

dragged

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

escape

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

EvennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

evidence

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

fault

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

find

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

friend

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

getting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

heaviest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

instead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

jailed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

knife

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

likely

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

missing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

murdered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

Murderer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Murderer Chuckles.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

Patsy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

pencil

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

perfect

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

person

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

possibly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

privately

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

Pudd'nhead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

received

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

remaining

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

say

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

sharpened

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

sign

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

simply

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

TakenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

teeth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

term

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The Murderer Chuckles.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

tireless

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

trace

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

trial

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

twins

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

understandnounUS /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

unquestionably

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

vanish

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

visiting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

weeks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The weeks dragged along, no friend visiting the jailed twins but their counsel and Aunt Patsy Cooper, and the day of trial came at last--the heaviest day in Wilson's life; for with all his tireless diligence he had discovered no sign or trace of the missing confederate.

why

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Confederate" was the term he had long ago privately accepted for that person--not as being unquestionably the right term, but as being at least possibly the right one, though he was never able to understand why the twins did not vanish and escape, as the confederate had done, instead of remaining by the murdered man and getting caught there.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

Wilson's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Even the clearest and most perfect circumstantial evidence is likely to be at fault, after all, and therefore ought to be received with great caution.

witnesses

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

woman

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Take the case of any pencil, sharpened by any woman: if you have witnesses, you will find she did it with a knife; but if you take simply the aspect of the pencil, you will say she did it with her teeth.--Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.