used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
the act of breaking something
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
cocktailsnounUS /ˈkɑːkteɪlz/
plural of “cocktail” — a short mixed drink
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
convenientlyadverbUS /kənˈviːnjəntli/
in a convenient manner
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
DemocratsnounUS /ˈdeməkræts/
plural of “democrat” — a member of the Democratic Party
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
dividingverbUS /dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “divide” — separate into parts or portions
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
dustyadjectiveUS /ˈdʌsti/
covered with a layer of dust
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
one or the other of two
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
EmersonnounUS /ˈemərsən/
United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
FenounUS /feɪ/
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
fitfullyadverbUS /ˈfɪtfəli/
in a fitful manner
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
flamesnounUS /fleɪmz/
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
impassableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpæsəbəl/
incapable of being passed
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
julepsnounUS /ˈdʒuːləps/
plural of “julep” — bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
LasnounUS /lɑːs/
plural of “la” — a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
most important element
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
MeadnounUS /miːd/
United States anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in Polynesian cultures (1901-1978)
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
mintnounUS /mɪnt/
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
occupantnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənt/
someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
partisannounUS /ˈpɑːrtəzən/
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
Plumas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The flames of partisan feeling were already breaking out in Las Plumas.
RepublicansnounUS /rɪˈpʌblɪkənz/
plural of “republican” — a member of the Republican Party
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
SantanounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
sessionnounUS /ˈseʃən/
a meeting for execution of a group's functions
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
shrievalty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
in the near future
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
supremeadjectiveUS /səˈpriːm/
final or last in your life or progress
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
swappingverbUS /ˈswɑːpɪŋ/
inflected form of “swap” — exchange or give (something) in exchange for
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
territorynounUS /ˈterɪtɔːri/
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The supreme court of the territory was sitting at Santa Fe, and its decision upon the shrievalty would be announced in a few days.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
Whittaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The first days of October were at hand, and the court session at which Emerson Mead was to be tried for the murder of Will Whittaker would soon open.
yarnsnounUS /jɑːrnz/
plural of “yarn” — the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading But in the matter of mint juleps, cocktails, and the swapping of yarns Main street stretched its dusty length between Republicans and Democrats as grim and impassable as a mountain barrier.
but in spite of that
From this reading The dividing line of Main street had begun to be drawn, although fitfully as yet, and conveniently forgotten if business called to the other an occupant of either side.
