Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading TEMPORARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF A THESPIAN.

anew

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

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

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

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

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

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

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

towards the shore from the water

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

make certain of

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

indicating a lack of maturity

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

-ing form of “destroy” — do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

plural of “embarrassment” — the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public

From this reading TEMPORARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF A THESPIAN.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

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

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

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

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

immediately past

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

hear with intention

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

a hole (usually with a flush cover) through which a person can gain access to an underground structure

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

plural of “mooring” — a place where a craft can be made fast

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TEMPORARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF A THESPIAN.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

not used up

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

a person skilled at making effective presentations

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a person who sins (without repenting)

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

express in words

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading TEMPORARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF A THESPIAN.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

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

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

a theatrical performer

From this reading TEMPORARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF A THESPIAN.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading "If," said he thoughtfully, "a man was to come an' tell me a story like that, I'd call 'im a liar."

three times

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

a path along a canal or river used by animals towing boats

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

two times

From this reading Twice or thrice before finishing his job he paused to listen again, but heard nothing.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

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

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Mr. Sam Bossom, having poled back to the towpath, stepped ashore, made fast his bow moorings, stood and watched the two childish figures as they passed up the last slope of the garden out of sight, and proceeded to deliver his remaining hundredweights of coal--first, however, peering down the manhole and listening, to assure himself that all was quiet below.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "_Sinner that I am," said the Showman, "see how you are destroying and ruining my whole livelihood!_"--DON QUIXOTE.