used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
AbrahamnounUS /ˈeɪbrəhæm/
the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and the father of Isaac; according to Genesis, God promised to give Abraham's family (the Hebrews) the land of Canaan (the Promised Land); God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
austerelyadverbUS /ˌɔːˈstɪrli/
in an austere fashion
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
bookcasesnounUS /ˈbʊkkeɪsɪz/
plural of “bookcase” — a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
calfnounUS /kæf/
young of domestic cattle
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
coloursnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a distinguishing emblem
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
completedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtəd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
gotten under control
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
COPYISTnoun
someone employed to make written copies of documents and manuscripts
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
dimmedadjectiveUS /dɪmd/
made dim or less bright
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
engravingsnounUS /ɪnˈɡreɪvɪŋz/
plural of “engraving” — a print made from an engraving
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
fadedadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪdəd/
having lost freshness or brilliance of color
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
FranklinnounUS /ˈfræŋklɪn/
United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
the state of being honored
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
JeffersonnounUS /ˈdʒefərsən/
3rd President of the United States; chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
LincolnnounUS /ˈlɪŋkən/
16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
mansenoun
a large and imposing house
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
a form of address for a man
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
held or filled or in use
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
occupyingverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “occupy” — keep busy with
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
ragnounUS /ræɡ/
a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
sleeping-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
splint-bottomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
make square
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading An ancient table served for a desk, with a splint-bottomed chair before it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
volumesnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːmz/
plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
plural of “wall” — 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 On the walls hung several portrait engravings, that of Abraham Lincoln occupying the post of honour among them.
Warne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A COPYIST The old study of David Warne was a square, austerely furnished room on the second floor of the manse, opposite the sleeping-room now occupied by Mr. Jefferson.
widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/
to a great degree
From this reading The floor was covered with a rag carpet of pleasantly dimmed colours, and an old Franklin stove, with widely opening doors and a hearth with a brass rail, completed the furnishing of the room.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading It contained several plain bookcases, filled mostly with worn old volumes in dingy yellow calf or faded cloth.
