adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
airnounUS /er/
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
argumentnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/
a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
becomesverbUS /bɪˈkʌmz/
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
blackberriesnounUS /ˈblækberiz/
plural of “blackberry” — large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
blowsnounUS /bloʊz/
plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
bricklayernounUS /ˈbrɪkleɪər/
a craftsman skilled in building with bricks
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
BritishnounUS /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/
the people of Great Britain
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
broomnounUS /bruːm/
a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
ChaucernounUS /ˈtʃɔːsər/
English poet remembered as author of the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400)
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
CherrynounUS /ˈtʃeri/
wood of any of various cherry trees especially the black cherry
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
composedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpoʊzd/
serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
confineverbUS /kənˈfaɪn/
place limits on (extent or amount or access)
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
diplomanounUS /dɪˈploʊmɑː/
a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
exiguousadjective
extremely scanty
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
extendedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstendəd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
FathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
fullestadjectiveUS /ˈfʊləst/
superlative of “full” — containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
gainverbUS /ɡeɪn/
obtain
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
Grenadiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
guessverbUS /ɡes/
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
handsnounUS /hændz/
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
hazardnounUS /ˈhæzərd/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
herdboy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
Jew's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
larknounUS /lɑːrk/
North American songbirds having a yellow breast
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
livelihoodnounUS /ˈlaɪvlihʊd/
the financial means whereby one lives
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
nationaladjectiveUS /ˈnæʃənəl/
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
organ-grindernoun
a street musician who plays a hand organ or hurdy-gurdy
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
painsnounUS /peɪnz/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
patronagenounUS /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
pennynounUS /ˈpeni/
a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/
an amount of time
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
piecenounUS /piːs/
a separate part of a whole
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
pipenounUS /paɪp/
a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
prevalencenounUS /ˈprevələns/
the quality of prevailing generally; being widespread
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
proficiencynounUS /prəˈfɪʃənsi/
the quality of having great facility and competence
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
RipeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
rulenounUS /ruːl/
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
seekingnounUS /ˈsiːkɪŋ/
the act of searching for something
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
shibbolethnounUS /ˈʃɪbəleθ/
a favorite saying of a sect or political group
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
singularadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələr/
unusual or striking
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
singularities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
skilledadjectiveUS /skɪld/
having or showing or requiring special skill
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
startlesnounUS /ˈstɑːrtəlz/
plural of “startle” — a sudden involuntary movement
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/
required or under orders
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
surelyadverbUS /ˈʃʊrli/
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
surroundverbUS /sərˈaʊnd/
extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
thickadjectiveUS /θɪk/
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
tidenounUS /taɪd/
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
trumpverbUS /trʌmp/
produce a sound as if from a trumpet
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
trumpetverbUS /ˈtrʌmpət/
proclaim on, or as if on, a trumpet
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
unemploymentnounUS /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being unemployed or not having a job
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
unmusicaladjective
lacking interest in or talent for music
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
whenceadverbUS /wens/
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
whistlernounUS /ˈwɪslər/
United States painter (1834-1903)
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
