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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
allowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
always
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
AndeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
arm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
association
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
bred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
brilliant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
bulging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
clambered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
cleared
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From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
clothes-lines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
colonel's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
contained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
content
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
convert
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
days
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
discolored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
drooping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
drunkard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
escaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
Family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
fence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
frightened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
helping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
honeysuckle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
imagination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
influences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
led
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
lingered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
lone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
miserable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
nobodypronounUS /ˈnoʊbɑːdiː/
no person; not anyone
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
now
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
off
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From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
Old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
old-fashioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
opposite
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From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
outdoor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
partly
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
patches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
perhaps
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
plant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
policemen
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From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
possibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
possible
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
posts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
puritynounUS /ˈpjʊrəti/
the state of being morally clean and innocent
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
quadrangle
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
quaint
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From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
rags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
rain-spout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
reached
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From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
rear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
refining
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
remnants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
respectability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
rested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
roof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
scaling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
seen
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
semblance
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From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
Servant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
sleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
slippery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
stagger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
stay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
stray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
stretch
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From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
stuffed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
sunlight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
surroundings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
tied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
tramp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
unkempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It contained, of course, as all such yards do, one lone plant,--this time a honeysuckle,--which had clambered over the front door and there rested as if content to stay; but which later on, frightened at the surroundings, had with one great spring cleared the slippery wall between, reached the rain-spout above, and by its helping arm had thus escaped to the roof and the sunlight.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
whitewash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That all this told upon its character and appearance was shown in the remnants of whitewash on the high wall, scaling off in discolored patches; in the stagger of the tall fence opposite, drooping like a drunkard between two policemen of posts; and in the unkempt, bulging rear of the third wall,--the front house,--stuffed with rags and tied up with clothes-lines.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _An Old Family Servant_ The colonel's front yard, while as quaint and old-fashioned as his house, was not--if I may be allowed--quite so well bred.
yards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This came partly from the outdoor life it had always led and from its close association with other yards that had lost all semblance of respectability, and partly from the fact that it had never felt the refining influences of the friends of the house; for nobody ever lingered in the front yard who by any possibility could get into the front door--nobody, except perhaps now and then a stray tramp, who felt at home at once and went to sleep on the steps.
youth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If in the purity of its youth it had ever seen better days as a garden--but then no possible stretch of imagination, however brilliant, could ever convert this miserable quadrangle into a garden.
