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The Yale Cup
The Yale Cup

Chapter VIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Yale Cup

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.
Line 2
In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.
Line 3
Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.
Line 4
In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.
Line 5
Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.”

Hazy adjective US /ˈheɪzi/

unclear or blurred, especially from drink

From this reading “Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.”

Help noun US /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.”

All words in this reading · 97

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

admired

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

ANGER

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

appreciative

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

bearing

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

bettering

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

Boston

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

brain

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

bristly

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

cheeks

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

clam-shell

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

cousin

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

delusions

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

Dennis

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

ears

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

education

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

effeminate

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

exercise

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

fellow

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

fixed

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

flaring

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

front

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

game

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

general

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

given

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

gymnasium

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

hair

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

hazyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪzi/

unclear or blurred, especially from drink

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

head

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

helpnounUS /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

Hillbury

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

hope

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

idea

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

ignorance

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

immediately

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

introduction

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

large

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

letter

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

lurked

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

man

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

meaning

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

named

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

nose

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

notions

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

ornamented

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

other

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

pimply

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

positively

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

possessed

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

prospects

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

pugilist

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

Regular

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

Runyon

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

Runyon's

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

Sam's

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

school

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

Seaton

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

side

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

SLOW

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

somewhat

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

South

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

spaces

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

squad

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

stiff

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

stubby

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading SLOW TO ANGER Regular exercise in the gymnasium began immediately after the Hillbury game.

top

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

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

vacant

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

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

vague

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In Sam’s squad was a fellow from South Boston named Dennis Runyon.

way

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In the vacant spaces of his brain lurked, with other delusions of a large and general ignorance, a fixed idea that every man who was not positively effeminate admired a pugilist.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Runyon possessed a head ornamented with stiff, bristly hair on top, a stubby nose and pimply cheeks in front, and flaring clam-shell ears at the side.

worked

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

From this reading Runyon’s notions as to the meaning of education were hazy; he had come to Seaton with the somewhat vague hope of bettering his prospects in life, bearing a letter of introduction from a cousin who had worked his way through the school and was appreciative of the help which it had given him.