used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
next to; at the side of
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
fearless and daring
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
terminate
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
embracedverbUS /emˈbreɪst/
past form of “embrace” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
destroyed or killed
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
grandsonnounUS /ˈɡrændsʌn/
a male grandchild
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
a boy or man
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
lockingnounUS /ˈlɑːkɪŋ/
the act of locking something up to protect it
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
loiteringverbUS /ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/
-ing form of “loiter” — be about
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
for more time
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
not any; not one
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He had held his grandson in his hand, between his arms, had had his little face close beside his own; yet he had neither embraced nor kissed him.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
rascalnounUS /ˈræskəl/
a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading In the depths of his nature he was longing secretly to do so, and to claim the bold, brave little rascal for his own.
smoulderingadjective
showing scarcely suppressed anger
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
subsidingnounUS /səbˈsaɪdɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
well-nighadverb
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
at the time that
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
WILLIAMSnounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/
United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)
From this reading A True Man CHRISTMAS WILLIAMS, after locking the strong, heavy door on his little grandson, had gone back to his house, having no longer the desire to spend a quiet, loitering hour in his garden.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading When the lad turned to him and said, "Don't let mother know; it would break her heart," his pride had well-nigh given way.
but in spite of that
From this reading The smouldering passion, which had burst into so sudden a flame, was not yet subsiding.
