Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

in addition

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

having a strong desire for success or achievement

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

quick and energetic

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

grow worse

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

all of the offspring of a given progenitor

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

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

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

-ing form of “elect” — select by a vote for an office or membership

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

at any time

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

a social unit living together

From this reading ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY.

a person who operates a farm

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

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

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

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

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

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

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

a New York river; flows southward into New York Bay; explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

immediately past

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

joined in matrimony

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

come to pass

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

past form of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

-ing form of “pronounce” — speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

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

From this reading ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

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

From this reading He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man last married in the neighborhood.

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

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

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

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

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

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

in or at the place that

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It mattered not to Hanz how his name was pronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitious descendants might be called on in a court of law to explain the circumstances under which their name was changed.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and also electing him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudson river, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into the mountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of the name of Hanz Toodleburg.