used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
(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 THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
baskingverbUS /ˈbæskɪŋ/
-ing form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
have
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
BUSTARDnounUS /ˈbʌstərd/
large heavy-bodied chiefly terrestrial game bird capable of powerful swift flight; classified with wading birds but frequents grassy steppes
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
bustards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
a person who is in charge
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in America in many varieties; the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
corn-growing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
coversnounUS /ˈkʌvərz/
plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
denizensnounUS /ˈdenəzənz/
plural of “denizen” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/
a native or inhabitant of Europe
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
field-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
five-and-twenty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
game-birds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
goatsnounUS /ɡoʊts/
plural of “goat” — any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
grainnounUS /ɡreɪn/
a relatively small granular particle of a substance
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
grandestadjectiveUS /ˈɡrændəst/
superlative of “grand” — of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
growsverbUS /ɡroʊz/
third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/
an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
majesticadjectiveUS /məˈdʒestɪk/
majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
mid-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
used to form the superlative
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
ornamentverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmənt/
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
OverprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
siestanounUS /siˈestə/
a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
solitudes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
the season of growth
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
sproutingnounUS /ˈspraʊtɪŋ/
the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
steppesnounUS /steps/
plural of “steppe” — extensive plain without trees (associated with eastern Russia and Siberia)
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/
act of expanding by lengthening or widening
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
the rays of the sun
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading And among the things of sport are few more attractive scenes than a band of great bustards at rest.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading THE GREAT BUSTARD Over the vast expanse of those silent solitudes, the corn-growing steppes of Spain--all but abandoned by human denizens--this grandest and most majestic of European game-birds forms the chief ornament.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading There are five-and-twenty of them, and immense they look against the green background of corn that covers the landscape--well may a stranger mistake the birds for deer or goats.
at the time that
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading When the sprouting grain grows green in spring, stretching from horizon to horizon, you may form his acquaintance to best advantage.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Bring your field-glass to bear on the gathering which you see yonder, basking in the sunshine in full enjoyment of their mid-day siesta.
