used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
at or in the front
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
alleynounUS /ˈæli/
a narrow street with walls on both sides
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
Balcomb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
congestedadjectiveUS /kənˈdʒestəd/
overfull as with blood
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
Dameron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
dealernounUS /ˈdiːlər/
someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
without deviation
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
dodgedverbUS /dɑːdʒd/
past form of “dodge” — make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
EzranounUS /ˈezrə/
a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
FLATSnounUS /flæts/
footwear (shoes or slippers) with no heel (or a very low heel)
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
a small worthless amount
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
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 THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
jobbing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/
bordered by a line of things
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
marginsnounUS /ˈmɑːrdʒənz/
plural of “margin” — the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
a particular point in time
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
not any; not one
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
parallelnounUS /ˈperəlel/
something having the property of being analogous to something else
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
PATOKA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
pedestriansnounUS /pəˈdestriənz/
plural of “pedestrian” — a person who travels by foot
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
RubynounUS /ˈruːbi/
a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
saloonsnounUS /səˈluːnz/
plural of “saloon” — a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/
plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
squeezedverbUS /skwiːzd/
past form of “squeeze” — to compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
trafficnounUS /ˈtræfɪk/
the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
trucksnounUS /trʌks/
plural of “truck” — an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
unmistakableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnmɪˈsteɪkəbəl/
clearly evident to the mind
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
under normal conditions
From this reading It was lined with the rear doors of Jefferson Street shops on one side and those of jobbing houses on the other, and, as it was narrow, its traffic was usually congested.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This alley was called Ruby Street for no reason that any one knew.
look attentively
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A few saloons were squeezed into corners here and there and in one large room opening directly on the alley a dealer in margins maintained an office.
which person or people
From this reading Balcomb paused a moment to watch Dameron, who dodged in and out among trucks, horses and hurrying pedestrians with quick, eager steps.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE PATOKA FLATS Jack Balcomb, walking through an alley that ran parallel with Jefferson Street, marked the unmistakable figure of Ezra Dameron ahead of him.
