used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
announceverbUS /əˈnaʊns/
make known; make an announcement
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
AREauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
benignlyadverbUS /bəˈnaɪnli/
in a benign manner
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
Bilkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
butlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
clothing in general
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
conventionaladjectiveUS /kənˈvenʃənəl/
following accepted customs and proprieties
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
Dad'snounUS /dædz/
possessive form of “dad” — an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
dimmedadjectiveUS /dɪmd/
made dim or less bright
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
dovesnounUS /dʌvz/
plural of “dove” — any of numerous small pigeons
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
ETC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
divisible by two
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
forgettingverbUS /fərˈɡetɪŋ/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
grinnedverbUS /ɡrɪnd/
inflected form of “grin” — to draw back the lips and reveal the teeth, in a smile, grimace, or snarl
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
heartieradjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrtiər/
comparative of “hearty” — showing warm and heartfelt friendliness
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
incomingadjectiveUS /ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ/
arriving at a place or position
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
irreproachableadjective
free of guilt; not subject to blame
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
khakiadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːki/
of a yellowish brown color
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
immediately past
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
a room where books are kept
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
the force of workers available
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
nestingverbUS /ˈnestɪŋ/
-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
outstretchedadjectiveUS /aʊtˈstretʃt/
fully extended especially in length
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
owedverbUS /oʊd/
past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
PATCHnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
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 At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
the rays of the sun
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
TOBYnounUS /ˈtoʊbi/
a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
unmarredadjective
free from physical or moral spots or stains
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading And old Bilkins, our solemn, irreproachable butler, grinned benignly as he stood waiting to announce dinner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
accept gladly
From this reading Dad's welcome was heartier, even though his eyes were dimmed with happy tears.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
in or at the place that
From this reading _Author of_ "TOBY," "SUNLIGHT PATCH," "WHERE THE SOULS OF MEN ARE CALLING," ETC.
which person or people
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As I entered the library my mother, forgetting that it was I who owed her deference, came forward with outstretched arms and a sound in her voice like that of doves at nesting time.
the words that are spoken
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
the act of creating written works
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading At last out of khaki, and dressed in conventional evening clothes, I felt as if I were indeed writing the first words of another story on the unmarred page of the incoming year.
