used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
band'snounUS /bændz/
possessive form of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
bedclothesnoun
coverings that are used on a bed
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
benchesnounUS /ˈbentʃɪz/
plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
boothnounUS /buːθ/
a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
bowlsnounUS /boʊlz/
a bowling game played on a level lawn with biased wooden balls that are rolled at a jack
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
BrandnounUS /brænd/
a name given to a product or service
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
Bull'snounUS /bʊlz/
possessive form of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
bunksnounUS /bʌŋks/
plural of “bunk” — a long trough for feeding cattle
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
CHAMPIONSnounUS /ˈtʃæmpiənz/
plural of “champion” — someone who has won first place in a competition
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
chestyadjective
marked by a large or well-developed chest
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
a person who is in charge
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
clatteringverbUS /ˈklætərɪŋ/
-ing form of “clatter” — make a rattling sound
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
disputingverbUS /dɪsˈpjuːtɪŋ/
-ing form of “dispute” — take exception to
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
divisionnounUS /dɪˈvɪʒən/
an army unit large enough to sustain combat
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
one or the other of two
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
fish-pail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
grumblingnounUS /ˈɡrʌmbəlɪŋ/
a loud low dull continuous noise
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
Gudrid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
high-seat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
hostilelyadverb
with hostility; in a belligerent hostile manner
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
intervalnounUS /ˈɪntərvəl/
a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
jeeringnounUS /ˈdʒiːrɪŋ/
showing your contempt by derision
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
and nothing more
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
lacingnoun
a small amount of liquor added to a food or beverage
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
loose-jointedadjective
loosely articulated or constructed
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
midwayadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdweɪ/
equally distant from the extremes
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
held or filled or in use
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
and nothing more
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
flowing profusely
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
racketnounUS /ˈrækɪt/
a loud and disturbing noise
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
red-cloaked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
rune-carving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
sluggards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
sniffingverbUS /ˈsnɪfɪŋ/
-ing form of “sniff” — perceive by inhaling through the nose
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
surmountverbUS /sərˈmaʊnt/
get on top of; deal with successfully
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
table-boys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading One of these table-boys was the short and chesty Bull, sniffing hostilely at the milk he was pouring; and the head of the division was Brand, the long and loose-jointed.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
trenchers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
VINLAND
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was not a little racket to surmount, for it was rising time at the new band's new booth.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
WhistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading Whistling boys were lacing their high boots along the benches right and left of the high-seat; grumbling boys were just turning out of the bunks behind those benches; jeering boys were throwing bedclothes at the sluggards, and disputing boys were clattering bowls and trenchers on the tables which stood on either side the fire.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In the high-seat that had been built for him midway the length of the hall, the red-cloaked chief occupied the interval before breakfast with rune-carving; but that was the only employment which was being carried on in silence.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading AT THE HALL OF THE VINLAND CHAMPIONS "Whether you think so or not, I know that Gudrid would not keep milk in a fish-pail," the Bull's voice rose above the racket.
