used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
anew
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
for the reason that
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
criticizingverbUS /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “criticize” — find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
someone who hunts game
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
jokingadjectiveUS /ˈdʒoʊkɪŋ/
characterized by jokes and good humor
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
immediately past
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
set afire or burning
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
Nicodemus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
presbyterynoun
building reserved for the officiating clergy
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
reclusenounUS /rɪˈkluːs/
one who lives in solitude
From this reading The old man with the white beard, a hunter himself, was criticizing King Nicodemus because, in his opinion, the old recluse did not conduct his hunting according to the law of God.
ridgenounUS /rɪdʒ/
a long narrow natural elevation or striation
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
and nothing more
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
express in speech
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
not in physical motion
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
express in words
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
villagersnounUS /ˈvɪlɪdʒərz/
plural of “villager” — one who has lived in a village most of their life
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Paul was seated again at his own table in the little dining-room, lighted by an oil lamp.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "I don't want to speak ill of him in his last hour," he was saying; "but to tell the truth, he went out hunting simply as a speculation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
a Caucasian
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Behind the ridge, which looked a mountain as seen from the presbytery window, the full moon was rising in the pale sky.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had invited several of the villagers to come in and keep him company, amongst them the old man with the white beard and the owner of the horse, and they were still sitting there drinking and joking, and telling hunting stories.
