Vocabulary in Black Beauty
Vocabulary Examples in Black Beauty:
Part I - 03-My Breaking In
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10
"restive..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "restive" means unable to stay still or silent because of some cause, such as boredom, impatience, anger, or distraction.
Lori Steinbach
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"girths..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "girths" refer to the straps which go under a horse's stomach to hold the saddle on, also sometimes called "cinches"
Lori Steinbach
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"bridle..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "bridle" refers to a horse's headpiece to which the bit and reigns are attached.
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"bit..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "bit" refers to the metal part of the bridle which is placed in the horse's mouth and allows the rider to direct, stop, or control the animal.
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"headstall..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "headstall" refers to the part of a bridle which is placed over a horse's head and often connected to the cheekpieces.
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"halter..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "halter" refers to the straps and headpiece used on a horse to help the rider lead it or tether it.
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"harness..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "harness" refers to the straps which connect a horse to anything he is pulling, such as a cart or a wagon.
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"chaise..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "chaise" refers to a horse-drawn carriage designed for two people; it usually has only two wheels but often has an open top.
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"breeching..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "breeching " refers to a strap which is placed on a horse's rear haunches to help stabilize his load. It also acts as a kind of brake when he is pulling a cart or wagon.
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"crupper..."
See in text (Part I - 03-My Breaking In)
The word "crupper" refers to a leather strap which is looped under a horse's tail to help hold the saddle in place.
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Part I - 05-A Fair Start
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2
"roan..."
See in text (Part I - 05-A Fair Start)
The word "roan" refers to a coloring made up of some darker color (red, brown, etc.) mixed evenly with white hairs, which mutes (lightens) the color.
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"show his paces..."
See in text (Part I - 05-A Fair Start)
The phrase "to show his paces" means to display his walking, trotting, galloping, cantering (and more) skills.
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Part I - 06-Liberty
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2
"the fidgets..."
See in text (Part I - 06-Liberty)
The word "fidgets" refers to a feeling of restlessness or nervousness, in this case because he is not always allowed to run.
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"get the tickle out of your feet..."
See in text (Part I - 06-Liberty)
The phrase "to get the tickle out of one's feet" means to let the horse run as fast and as long as he wishes because his feet (legs) are getting restless.
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Part I - 07-Ginger
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9
"breaker..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
A breaker is someone who trains a horse to bear a rider or pull a wagon, cart, or piece of equipment.
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"high-mettled..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "high-mettled" means full of energy and fire; having an excessive strength of spirit.
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"sieve..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "sieve" refers to any device which has holes in it and serves to separate larger particles from smaller ones; a kitchen sieve is also called a "strainer."
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"persecutor..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "persecutor" refers to one who consistently torments another in some fashion, in this case by mistreating and whipping.
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"my blood was thoroughly up..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The phrase "one's blood was thoroughly up" means she was angry enough not to quit easily, ready to fight until the very end.
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"horseflesh..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "horseflesh" is a term used when someone cares only about the usefulness or productiveness of the animal, ignoring his happiness and unique needs.
Lori Steinbach
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"pined..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "pined" means to lose energy and spirits, or even physical strength, because of grief; to long for something unattainable.
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"forelock..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "forelock" refers to the piece of hair growing in the middle of a horse's head (and often falling between its eyes).
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"weaned..."
See in text (Part I - 07-Ginger)
The word "weaned" means to be deprived from its original food source (in this case, her mother) in an attempt to break a dependence.
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Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued
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5
"hocks..."
See in text (Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued)
The word "hocks" is the equivalent of the human ankle. The hock is the joint which connects the upper and lower part of most four-footed animals' legs.
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"windpipe..."
See in text (Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued)
The word "windpipe" refers to the trachea, the tube located in the neck which carries air to and from the lungs.
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"blow..."
See in text (Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued)
The word "blow" refers to a forcible strike against something, either with a hand or with some other object.
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"have a stylish turnout..."
See in text (Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued)
The phrase "to have a stylish turnout" means to look impressive in front of others, in this case by torturing his horses by not letting them lower their heads.
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"froth..."
See in text (Part I - 08-Ginger's Story Continued)
The word "froth" refers to saliva which becomes bubbly, often through stress (exertion), pain, or disease; also a cooking term.
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Part I - 11-Plain Speaking
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7
"a hard hit..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The phrase "a hard hit" refers to a low blow, an insult that hurts because it hits home and is therefore probably true.
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"backboard..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The word "backboard" is a board strapped to the back which limits the person's head movements.
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"parade..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
A "parade" is just what it sounds like—a parade in which military men and their horses are on display.
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"regiment..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The word "regiment" refers to a large number of soldiers. The specific number of soldiers in a regiment varies by country and time period.
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"pet scheme..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The word "pet scheme" refers to a favorite idea or plan, in this case, a bad idea—abusing his horses to make sure they know who is in charge.
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"come down very heavy..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The phrase "to come down very heavy" means to speak one's mind in a strong way against something, in this case against the mistreatment of horses.
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"laden..."
See in text (Part I - 11-Plain Speaking)
The word "laden" means weighed down or burdened. In this case, the horse carries a heavy load.
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Part I - 12-A Stormy Day
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5
"halloo..."
See in text (Part I - 12-A Stormy Day)
The word "halloo" is another interjection used to capture attention when it is hollered; also a typical hunting call.
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"Hoy..."
See in text (Part I - 12-A Stormy Day)
"Hoy" is a simple interjection used to get attention, similar to the modern "hey!"
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"toll-bar..."
See in text (Part I - 12-A Stormy Day)
The word "toll-bar" refers to a gate which prevents people from crossing a bridge until the toll (fee) is paid.
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"dog-cart..."
See in text (Part I - 12-A Stormy Day)
The word "dog-cart" is a very small, low carriage drawn by a single horse, designed either for two riders who sit back-to-back or one rider and a box for his hunting dog(s).
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Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark
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7
"sham..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The word "sham" refers to something false that is presented as the truth; something that claims to be what it is not.
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"tormentor..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The word "tormentor" refers to someone who tortures, in this case by pulling the wings off of flies.
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"trade-mark..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The word "trade-mark" refers to a symbol, act, or other evidence that distinguishes it as belonging to a particular person or company.
Lori Steinbach
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"aggravate..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The verb "to aggravate" means to annoy or irritate; in this case, to get the horse upset enough to throw its rider off.
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"stack-yard..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The word "stack-yard" refers to a kind of enclosure in which to hold sheaves of hay, straw, and other grains.
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"quickset hedge..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
A quickset hedge is a certain type of plant or tree planted in a pattern to serve as a divider or barrier, like a fence.
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"thrashing..."
See in text (Part I - 13-The Devil's Trade Mark)
The word "thrashing" refers to a harsh beating with some object, in this case, probably a whip.
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Part I - 14-James Howard
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4
"omnibuses..."
See in text (Part I - 14-James Howard)
The word "omnibuses" refers to a long passenger vehicle, often shortened to a more familiar word—bus.
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"the box..."
See in text (Part I - 14-James Howard)
The word "the box" refers to the part of a passenger carriage on which the drivers sit and and from which they drive.
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"right hand..."
See in text (Part I - 14-James Howard)
A "right-hand man" is someone who is most trusted to do what must be done.
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"beat the bush on this side..."
See in text (Part I - 14-James Howard)
This phrase means to try to gather information by trickery, in this case by saying deliberately negative things about James in order to find out if John Manly agrees.
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Part I - 15-The Old Hostler
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3
"a fox's tail..."
See in text (Part I - 15-The Old Hostler)
The phrase "fox's tail" is a reference to the sometimes reckless things hunters had their horses (and therefore themselves) do when hunting for fox; fox tails were collected rather like sporting trophies.
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"squares about at you..."
See in text (Part I - 15-The Old Hostler)
This phrase means to meets someone face to face, digging in his heels, as if in confrontation.
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"hostlers..."
See in text (Part I - 15-The Old Hostler)
The word "hostler" refers to workers, sometimes younger boys, who take care of horses for the guests at an inn.
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Part I - 17-John Manly's Talk
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3
"leading rein..."
See in text (Part I - 17-John Manly's Talk)
The word "leading rein" refers to the long straps or reins connected to the bit and held by someone, usually on the ground, to lead the horse for training purposes.
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"hoeing..."
See in text (Part I - 17-John Manly's Talk)
The verb "to hoe" means to dig up or use a hoe to get rid of weeds around the growing vegetable plant.
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"workhouse..."
See in text (Part I - 17-John Manly's Talk)
Also known as a "spike," an English workhouse was a place where people who could not support themselves had to live and work until they were able to either get out of debt or survive on their own again. It was a hard place to live, so only those who had no choice would go there.
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Part I - 20-Joe Green
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3
"magistrate..."
See in text (Part I - 20-Joe Green)
The word "magistrate" refers to an officer of the state, generally one who had the right to settle disputes; a judge.
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"carter..."
See in text (Part I - 20-Joe Green)
The word "carter" refers to one who leads the horse which carries heavy loads, in this case bricks.
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"luggage cart..."
See in text (Part I - 20-Joe Green)
The word "luggage cart" refers to a utility cart used to haul luggage and other goods rather than people.
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Part II - 22-Earlshall
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2
"footmen..."
See in text (Part II - 22-Earlshall)
The word "footmen" refers to servants, often young boys, used to run errands or do other odd jobs on an estate.
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"constitution..."
See in text (Part II - 22-Earlshall)
The word "constitution" refers to composition or disposition, in this case he says she is naturally a little more irritable than the black horse.
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Part II - 23-A Strike for Liberty
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3
"stood up better for..."
See in text (Part II - 23-A Strike for Liberty)
This phrase means stood up more for, in this case for the rights and care of the horses.
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"carriage pole..."
See in text (Part II - 23-A Strike for Liberty)
The word "carriage pole" refers to the long pole connecting a cart or carriage to the horse or horses which are pulling it.
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"terret..."
See in text (Part II - 23-A Strike for Liberty)
The word "terret" refers to one of several rings on the top of a harness through which reins or lines are passed through.
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Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse
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11
"dike..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "dike" refers to a long wall used to help prevent flooding. It is a big pile of dirt on one side and a ditch on the other.
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"heath..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "heath" refers to an open field, fairly empty of anything but occasional shrubs or bushes.
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"given me my head..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
This phrase means to allow the horse to control the path they ride and how fast they move.
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"mole-turns..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "mole-turns" probably refers to the underground tunnels created (and lived in) by moles; each tunnel has a hole at either end, of course, making the tunneled ground dangerous for a galloping horse.
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"common..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "common" means open area, something like a park, used by the entire community.
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"giving me a free rein..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
"To give free reign" means to allow the horse to run as it wishes, without any guidance or encouragement from the rider.
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"bolted..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "bolted" means darted or dashed quickly, with little concern for anything around.
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"side-saddle..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "side-saddle" refers to a saddle which allows a woman to sit sideways on a horse (with both legs on one side of the animal) rather than astride (with one leg on each side of the animal), usually used in equestrian events (horse riding competitions).
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"thoroughbred..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "thoroughbred" refers to a specific breed of horse used in racing, though the term is generally used to refer to any purebred horse.
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"bay..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "bay' refers to the most common horse color; having a reddish-brown coat with black mane, tail, ears, and feet.
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"invalid..."
See in text (Part II - 24-The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse)
The word "invalid" refers to someone who is sick or weak due to illness or injury, often unable to move or walk around much, if at all.
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Part II - 25-Reuben Smith
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6
"quick..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The "quick" refers to the sensitive spot at the edge of a horse's hoof, similar to the sensitive spot on a human finger where the fingernail is connected to the finger.
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"light brougham..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The word "brougham" refers to a small, enclosed carriage pulled by a single horse; the driver sits outside the cabin on a bench.
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"bout..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The word "bout" refers to a short but intense period of some activity, in this case drinking.
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"an under situation..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The phrase "under situation" refers to a job working for someone rather than being the boss or supervisor.
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"tandem..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The word "tandem" refers to a carriage pulled by two horses, one in front of the other rather than side by side.
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"four-in-hand..."
See in text (Part II - 25-Reuben Smith)
The word "four-in-hand" refers to a carriage pulled by four horses which is driven by one person.
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Part II - 26-How it Ended
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2
"a blistering fluid..."
See in text (Part II - 26-How it Ended)
The phrase "blistering fluid" refers to a substance to "blister" off the horse's hair so that the wound will heal faster (the body supposedly spends its nutrients healing the wound rather than maintaining healthy hair).
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"poultice..."
See in text (Part II - 26-How it Ended)
The word "poultice" refers to a warm, soft cloth or other material pressed against a wound or injury to reduce swelling and pain.
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Part II - 28-A Job Horse and His Drivers
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4
"contemptuously..."
See in text (Part II - 28-A Job Horse and His Drivers)
The adverb "contemptuously" means scornfully, as if he does not think the man is very smart.
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"playing the old soldier..."
See in text (Part II - 28-A Job Horse and His Drivers)
The idiom "playing the old soldier" refers to the knowledge and experience with which an experienced soldier figures out a way to make his life easier, in this case by pretending to be lame.
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"phaeton..."
See in text (Part II - 28-A Job Horse and His Drivers)
The word "phaeton" refers to an open carriage with large wheels, drawn by one or two horses.
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"shies..."
See in text (Part II - 28-A Job Horse and His Drivers)
The verb "shies" means jumps or starts suddenly, as when it is startled, nervous, or scared.
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Part II - 29-Cockneys
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1
"cockneys..."
See in text (Part II - 29-Cockneys)
Specifically, a cockney is anyone born within the sound of the church bells of St. Mary-le-Bow, located at the east end of London. In general, the term refers to working-class Londoners. In this case, those who are not used to horses and riding because they are not aristocratic gentlemen.
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Part II - 31-A Humbug
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7
"liniment..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
The word "liniment" refers to a soothing medicinal ointment applied directly onto the affected area.
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"thrush..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
The word "thrush" refers to a bacterial infection in a horse's hoof, in this case due to the damp straw he was forced to stand in.
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"horse balls..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
Here, the word "horse balls" refers powdered medicine mixed with water and molasses or liquid medicine mixed with bran, formed in a ball and put down a horse's throat.
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"send back a smell..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
When something "sends back a smell," it means that drains get clogged enough that whatever goes in them does not drain completely, and some of those things smell.
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"smart..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
Here, the word "smart" means to sting and water with tears (as often happens when cutting onions, for example).
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"touching his hat..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
Tipping or touching one's hat or cap is a gesture of respect, friendship, greeting, or recognition.
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"crupper..."
See in text (Part II - 31-A Humbug)
The word "crupper" refers to a device used on horses which loops around the tail and connects to the back of a saddle, in order to hold the saddle in place.
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Part III - 32-A Horse Fair
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3
"cab stand..."
See in text (Part III - 32-A Horse Fair)
A cab stand is a place where horse-drawn cabs and their owners waited for someone to hire them.
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"knuckling over..."
See in text (Part III - 32-A Horse Fair)
The phrase "knuckling over" refers to a condition which causes a horse to trip or stumble because the toe "catches" on the ground as he walks.
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"unsoundness of wind..."
See in text (Part III - 32-A Horse Fair)
This phrase means unable to breathe properly; getting an insufficient intake of air.
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Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse
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5
"character..."
See in text (Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse)
Here, the word "character" refers to the qualities, intellectual and moral, which make a person (or a horse) who he is.
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"palisades..."
See in text (Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse)
The word "palisades" refers to a fence or wall built of wood posts or, in this case, iron poles.
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"ring snaffle..."
See in text (Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse)
The word "ring snaffle" refers to a bit which is placed in a horse's mouth, it has a metal loop on either side of the head to which reins are attached and which are then used by the driver to comfortably and easily guide the horse.
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"took as much pains..."
See in text (Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse)
The phrase "took as much pains" means tried to make sure everything was just right and not painful.
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"regular brick..."
See in text (Part III - 33-A London Cab Horse)
A "regular brick" is British slang meaning "a reliable man" or "a dependable man"—or in this case, a reliable or dependable horse.
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Part III - 34-An Old War Horse
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8
"beaten off..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The phrase "beaten off" means to hit with the flat of the sword to get out of the battle (the soldiers were trying to protect the horses as well as get them out of the way).
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"slaughter..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The word "slaughter" means to kill animals, usually for food; in this case, during the course of battle.
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"crest..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The word "crest" refers to a tuft (lock) of hair, in this case the hair between a horse's ears.
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"champing of our bits..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The phrase "champing of our bits" means biting down on their mouth pieces (bits) in their eagerness to do something, in this case go to battle.
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"caparisoned..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The word "caparisoned" means that the horses, too, were wearing all their finest and most ornamental military gear.
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"saber..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The word "saber" refers to a curved sword with a protective guard over the sword-bearer's knuckles.
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"lances..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
The word "lance" is a long pole with a spear attached, used mostly by soldiers who were fighting on horseback.
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"rolled about..."
See in text (Part III - 34-An Old War Horse)
A ship "rolls" as it sails through the ups and downs of active sea waves caused by high winds and/or storms.
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Part III - 35-Jerry Barker
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6
"whipcord..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The word "whipcord" refers to the material used to make whips (implying here that Larry whips his horses too often or too much).
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"pocketed..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The word "pocketed" means earned, in this case from the man who was in such a hurry to get to the station—his last passenger.
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"porter..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The word "porter" refers to one whose job it is to help travelers with their bags and suitcases.
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"chirrup..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The word "chirrup" means a short little sound, in this case the signal the driver uses to signal his horse to begin moving.
Lori Steinbach
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"put on the steam..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The phrase "to put on the steam" means to go faster (the steam reference is to steam engines, powered mostly by coal or wood). In this case, it means to make the horse go faster.
Lori Steinbach
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"tavern..."
See in text (Part III - 35-Jerry Barker)
The word "tavern" refers to an inn or pub, serving both food and drinks; often it would also have lodging available for travelers.
Lori Steinbach
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Part III - The Sunday Cab
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3
"lay it down at another man's door..."
See in text (Part III - The Sunday Cab)
The phrase "to lay it down at another man's door" means to blame something on someone else when it is, in fact, your responsibility.
Lori Steinbach
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"heart alive..."
See in text (Part III - The Sunday Cab)
The phrase "heart alive!" is an expression to add emphasis, something like the more modern "as I'm living!"
Lori Steinbach
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"alter..."
See in text (Part III - The Sunday Cab)
The word "alter" means to change, in this case from a license to run his cabs six days a week to a license to run all seven days of the week.
Lori Steinbach
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Part III - 43-A Friend in Need
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5
"mistress..."
See in text (Part III - 43-A Friend in Need)
A mistress is someone for whom one works, in this case Polly's former employer.
Lori Steinbach
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"by-streets..."
See in text (Part III - 43-A Friend in Need)
By-streets are the street which are not as busy as the main roads or streets (we call them "side streets").
Lori Steinbach
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"summons..."
See in text (Part III - 43-A Friend in Need)
The word "summons" refers to a request to appear in court; in this case the men are talking about suing him.
Lori Steinbach
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"dodge..."
See in text (Part III - 43-A Friend in Need)
The word "dodge" refers to a trick, in this case letting the men think he was going to take them where they wanted to go, though he had no intention of taking them anywhere.
Lori Steinbach
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"nose-bag..."
See in text (Part III - 43-A Friend in Need)
The word "nose-bag" refers to a feed bag placed over the head of a horse so he can eat without having to have a box for his food.
Lori Steinbach
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Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor
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6
"a free head..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
This phrase means able to be controlled without harsh measures; allowed some freedom.
Lori Steinbach
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"an ill wind that blew nobody good..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
One person's misfortune can result in another's joy or happiness.
Lori Steinbach
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"chains..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
Figuratively, chains are anything that keep a person enslaved or from being free; in this case, the chains of alcohol addiction or control.
Lori Steinbach
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"slave..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
Here, the word "slave" refers to anyone who is addicted to a substance, such as alcohol.
Lori Steinbach
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"treading pretty hard on my toes..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
The phrase "to treat on one's toes" means to offend someone with words. In this case, Jerry is commenting about how evil alcohol and drinking alcohol are to someone who admittedly likes to drink alcohol (a more modern version is "stepping on someone's toes").
Lori Steinbach
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"dray..."
See in text (Part III - 44-Old Captain and His Successor)
A "dray" is a cart used to carry kegs or casks, like beer barrels, usually sideless.
Lori Steinbach
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Part IV - 47-Hard Times
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5
"killed out of hand..."
See in text (Part IV - 47-Hard Times)
The phrase "killed out of hand" means quickly killed so one is not bothered or put out; gotten rid of immediately.
Lori Steinbach
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"fetch..."
See in text (Part IV - 47-Hard Times)
The word "fetch" means to bring, in this case how much money he will get for the horse.
Lori Steinbach
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"cordial..."
See in text (Part IV - 47-Hard Times)
The word "cordial" refers to a tonic, which is a kind of medicine or liqueur designed to revive his spirit and body, at least temporarily.
Lori Steinbach
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"hold your tongue..."
See in text (Part IV - 47-Hard Times)
The phrase "to hold one's tongue" means to be quiet; stay silent; in this case, quit talking about the condition of the horse.
Lori Steinbach
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"niter..."
See in text (Part IV - 47-Hard Times)
The word "niter" refers to a colorless mineral used, among other things, to make gunpowder.
Lori Steinbach
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Part IV - 48-Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie
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3
"genteel..."
See in text (Part IV - 48-Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie)
The word "genteel" mans elegant and well bred; in this case, people who are not going to mistreat the horse.
Lori Steinbach
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"benefactor..."
See in text (Part IV - 48-Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie)
The word "benefactor" refers to someone who gives help or aid, especially in the form of money; in this case, the kind man bought the horse and will take good care of the animal.
Lori Steinbach
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"purse..."
See in text (Part IV - 48-Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie)
The word "purse" refers to the small pouch or bag in which men kept their money, which was often in the form of coins.
Lori Steinbach
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