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 herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
able
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From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
acceptance
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From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
air
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From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
almost
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From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
argumentnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/
a reason or example used to support an idea
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
becomes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
blackberries
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From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
blows
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From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
bricklayer
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From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
British
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
broom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
Chaucer
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From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
Cherry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
composed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
confine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
days
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From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
diploma
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From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
display
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
dwelling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
England
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
exiguous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
extended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
Father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
fullest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
gain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
Grenadiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
guess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
hazard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
herdboy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
instrument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
invariably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
Jew's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
lark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
latter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
livelihood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
musical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
national
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
organ-grinder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
originally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
pains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
patronage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
penny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
period
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From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
prevalence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
professional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
proficiency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
Ripe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
rule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
seeking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
shibboleth
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From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
singular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
singularities
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From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
skilled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
startles
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From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
subject
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From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
supposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
surely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
surround
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
thick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But indeed, singularities surround the subject, thick like blackberries.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
trumpnounUS /trʌmp/
an excellent and dependable person who can be trusted
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
trumpet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
unemployment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
unmusical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
whenceadverbUS /wens/
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
whistlenounUS /ˈwhistle/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It is singular enough that a man should be able to gain a livelihood, or even to tide over a period of unemployment, by the display of his proficiency upon the penny whistle; still more so, that the professional should almost invariably confine himself to ‘Cherry Ripe’.
whistler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The latter air is indeed the shibboleth and diploma piece of the penny whistler; I hazard a guess it was originally composed for this instrument.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The herdboy in the broom, already musical in the days of Father Chaucer, startles (and perhaps pains) the lark with this exiguous pipe; and in the hands of the skilled bricklayer, ‘The thing becomes a trumpet, whence he blows’ (as a general rule) either ‘The British Grenadiers’ or ‘Cherry Ripe’.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading England is supposed to be unmusical; but without dwelling on the patronage extended to the organ-grinder, without seeking to found any argument on the prevalence of the Jew’s trump, there is surely one instrument that may be said to be national in the fullest acceptance of the word.
