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Auld Licht Idylls
Auld Licht Idylls

Chapter VIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/95 · 5 lines
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THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.
Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.
Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.
It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.
The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Auld Licht Idylls

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/95 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.
Line 2
Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.
Line 3
Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.
Line 4
It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.
Line 5
The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.”

Alexander noun US /ˈalexander/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Formidable adjective US /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbəl/

very difficult to deal with or overcome

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Thing noun US /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

Third noun US /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.”

All words in this reading · 104

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

advised

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

Alexander

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

BELL

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

candidates

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

circle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

coal-cart

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

coal-carter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

coals

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

coming

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

COURTING

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Dickie

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Elshioner

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

expensive

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

father

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbəl/

very difficult to deal with or overcome

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

God-fearing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

ground

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

high

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

horse's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

hushed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

kirk

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

known

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

Lang

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

large

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

mark

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

minister

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

neck

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

notorious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

number

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

once

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

pay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

perhaps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

position

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

preached

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

pronunciation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

prove

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

public

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

respect

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

rival

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Sam'l

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Sanders

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

scandal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

selection

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

several

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

social

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

square

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From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

succeeded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

T'NOWHEAD'S

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

Tammas's

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From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

Tenements

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From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

thirdnounUS /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

Thrums

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

too

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

trade

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

trades

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

tried

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The scandal of the thing was hushed up, out of respect for his father, who was a God-fearing man, but Sam'l was known by it in Lang Tammas's circle.

vacant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

weaver

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Being something of a public man, Sanders had not perhaps so high a social position as Sam'l, but he had succeeded his father on the coal-cart, while the weaver had already tried several trades.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading It had always been against Sam'l, too, that once when the kirk was vacant he had advised the selection of the third minister who preached for it on the ground that it came expensive to pay a large number of candidates.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Sam'l was a weaver in the Tenements, and Sanders a coal-carter whose trade mark was a bell on his horse's neck that told when coals were coming.

years

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE COURTING OF T'NOWHEAD'S BELL For two years it had been notorious in the square that Sam'l Dickie was thinking of courting T'nowhead's Bell, and that if little Sanders Elshioner (which is the Thrums pronunciation of Alexander Alexander) went in for her he might prove a formidable rival.