used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
adjustingverbUS /əˈdʒʌstɪŋ/
-ing form of “adjust” — alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
arrear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
the two together, not just one
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
broad-shoulderedadjective
having broad shoulders
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
brown-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
BustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
a young person of either sex
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/
in accordance with convention or custom
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
detainedverbUS /dɪˈteɪnd/
past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
Dogger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
drudgenounUS /drʌdʒ/
one who works hard at boring tasks
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
economicallyadverbUS /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪkli/
with respect to economic science
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
start firing a weapon
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
forksnounUS /fɔːrks/
plural of “fork” — cutlery used for serving and eating food
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
a young female
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
huzzy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
interrogativelyadverb
in a questioning format
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
kettlenounUS /ˈketəl/
a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
knife-board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
knivesnounUS /naɪvz/
plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
set afire or burning
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
Lilly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
Mildred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
mutton-fat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
potsnounUS /pɑːts/
plural of “pot” — metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
saucepans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
sconcenounUS /skɑːns/
a shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
scourverbUS /ˈskaʊər/
examine minutely
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
scullerynoun
a small room (in large old British houses) next to the kitchen; where kitchen utensils are cleaned and kept and other rough household jobs are done
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
tinnounUS /tɪn/
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That night the broad-shouldered child, Lilly Dogger, was up later than usual.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
which person or people
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
in the company of; together with
From this reading An arrear of pots and saucepans to scour, along with customary knives and forks to clean, detained her.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading A mutton-fat, fixed in a tin sconce on the wall, so as to command both the kitchen and the scullery, economically lighted each, the old woman and her drudge, at her work.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
Yes'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes’m, please,” she said interrogatively, for the noise of her task prevented her hearing distinctly.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Bustle, you huzzy, will ye?” cried the harsh voice of old Mildred, who was adjusting the kettle on the kitchen fire, while in the scullery the brown-eyed little girl worked away at the knife-board.
