100 words to know before reading Black Beauty

1. A piece of grassland, often used for hay or grazing.
2. A low-lying area near a river or stream, typically covered with grass.

I My Early Home The first place that I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow with a pond of clear water in it. Some shady trees leaned over it, and rushes and water-lilies

1. A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs.
2. A means of protection or defense against financial loss.

Some shady trees leaned over it, and rushes and water-lilies grew at the deep end. Over the hedge on one side we looked into a plowed field, and on the other we looked over a gate at our master’s

1. Young male horses, typically under four years old.
2. A sports team, often referring to the Indianapolis Colts (NFL).

used to go out to work in the daytime, and come back in the evening. There were six young colts in the meadow besides me; they were older than I was; some were nearly as large as grownup

1. A fast gait of a horse where all four feet are off the ground simultaneously in each stride.
2. To move or progress swiftly or at full speed.

stones and sticks at them to make them gallop. We did not much mind him, for we could gallop off; but sometimes a stone would hit and hurt us. One day he was at this game, and did not know

1. A gait of a horse or other four-legged animal, faster than a walk but slower than a canter.
2. To move at a steady, brisk pace.

He examined my eyes, my mouth, and my legs; he felt them all down; and then I had to walk and trot and gallop before him. He seemed to like me, and said, “When he has been well broken in he will

1. A fast-running, long-eared mammal resembling a large rabbit.
2. (Informal) To move swiftly.

the old horse, “perhaps the hare will get off.” “What hare?” I said. “Oh! I don’t know what hare; likely enough it may be one of our own hares out of the woods; any hare they can find will do

1. Moving or progressing rapidly like a horse at full speed.
2. (Of a disease or condition) progressing quickly and uncontrollably.

voices. After them came a number of men on horseback, some of them in green coats, all galloping as fast as they could. The old horse snorted and looked eagerly after them, and we young colts

1. A loud, sharp, piercing cry or sound.
2. To utter a loud, sharp cry or noise.

went by, some more slowly; these drew up at the station close by, and sometimes made an awful shriek and groan before they stopped. I thought it very dreadful, but the cows went on eating very

1. A young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
2. A man of high social standing, especially in rural England.

every day till it shone like a rook’s wing. It was early in May, when there came a man from Squire Gordon’s, who took me away to the hall. My master said, “Goodbye, Darkie; be a good horse, and

1. A person who shoes horses.
2. A blacksmith specializing in equine hoof care.

and no doubt to Squire Gordon’s, to let him know about his son. When Mr. Bond, the farrier, came to look at the black horse that lay groaning on the grass, he felt him all over, and shook

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

for I could not see on either side, but only straight in front of me; next, there was a small saddle with a nasty stiff strap that went right under my tail; that was the crupper. I hated the

1. A piece of equipment used to control a horse, consisting of straps and a bit.
2. To restrain or keep under control.

and to be led about in the fields and lanes quietly, but now I was to have a bit and bridle; my master gave me some oats as usual, and after a good deal of coaxing he got the bit into my

1. A strap fastened to the saddle and passing under a horse's tail to prevent the saddle from slipping forward.
2. The rump or hindquarters of a horse.

with a nasty stiff strap that went right under my tail; that was the crupper. I hated the crupper; to have my long tail doubled up and poked through that strap was almost as bad as the bit. I

1. A set of straps and fittings used to control or attach an animal or object.
2. To utilize or control a resource or energy for a purpose.

but in time I got used to it. And now having got so far, my master went on to break me to harness; there were more new things to wear. First, a stiff heavy collar just on my neck, and a bridle

1. A type of cereal grain commonly used for food and animal feed.
2. The seeds of the oat plant, often rolled or crushed for oatmeal.

one when she went out, and all horses did when they were grown up; and so, what with the nice oats, and what with my master’s pats, kind words, and gentle ways, I got to wear my bit and bridle.

1. A small house or cabin, often in a rural or natural setting.
2. A local branch of a society or organization.

and then you trotted along on a smooth road between clumps of large old trees; then another lodge and another gate, which brought you to the house and the gardens. Beyond this lay the home

1. Moved at a pace faster than walking, with a light, bouncy gait (usually referring to horses or similar animals).
2. Walked or moved briskly but not hurriedly (used for humans or animals).

Birtwick. It was entered by a large iron gate, at which stood the first lodge, and then you trotted along on a smooth road between clumps of large old trees; then another lodge and another gate,

1. A small field or enclosure for horses or other livestock.
2. In motorsports, the area where race cars are kept and worked on before a race.

the church was not far off. It was a great treat to us to be turned out into the home paddock or the old orchard; the grass was so cool and soft to our feet, the air so sweet, and the freedom

1. A piece of land planted with fruit trees.
2. A garden or grove where trees are cultivated for food production.

not far off. It was a great treat to us to be turned out into the home paddock or the old orchard; the grass was so cool and soft to our feet, the air so sweet, and the freedom to do as we liked

1. Dried grass used as animal fodder.
2. A small amount, especially of money (informal).

will now come again, if you do not bite or snap.” I told him I never bit anything but grass, hay, and corn, and could not think what pleasure Ginger found it. “Well, I don’t think she does find

1. A person who cares for horses or maintains their appearance.
2. A man about to be married or recently married.

a gentleman in the country; he was a good master, and I was getting on very well, but his old groom left him and a new one came. This man was as hard-tempered and hard-handed as Samson; he always

1. A female horse or other equine animal.
2. (Astronomy) A large, dark, flat area on the moon or Mars.

to turn on any strange person who came near her; and one day James said, “I do believe that mare is getting fond of me, she quite whinnied after me this morning when I had been rubbing her

1. A young male horse, typically under four years old.
2. A novice or inexperienced person in a particular field.

me and said: “So it is you who have turned me out of my box; it is a very strange thing for a colt like you to come and turn a lady out of her own home.” “I beg your pardon,” I said, “I have

1. To strengthen or support (verb).
2. A part added to make something stronger (noun).

John, “he is as fleet as a deer, and has a fine spirit too; but the lightest touch of the rein will guide him. Down at the end of the common we met one of those traveling carts hung all over

1. A dense, black hardwood from tropical trees.
2. Deep black or dark brown in color.

“a pleasanter creature I never wish to mount. What shall we call him?” “Would you like Ebony?” said she, “he is as black as ebony.” “No, not Ebony.” “Will you call him Blackbird, like your

1. A sturdy, short-legged horse.
2. The central part of an ear of corn.

said Sir Oliver shortly, “because they are no use.” “They are supposed,” said Justice, the roan cob, in his calm way, “to prevent horses from shying and starting, and getting so frightened as to

1. A rope or strap used to lead or tie an animal, typically a horse.
2. A type of women's top with straps that tie behind the neck and back.

top of my box, and said, “How do you do? What is your name?” He turned round as far as his halter would allow, held up his head, and said, “My name is Merrylegs. I am very handsome; I carry the

1. A utensil with a mesh bottom for separating fine from coarse particles.
2. A tool for straining liquids or sifting dry ingredients.

having a good feed. “At last, just as the sun went down, I saw the old master come out with a sieve in his hand. He was a very fine old gentleman with quite white hair, but his voice was what I

1. A nickname for a female dog, often named Lassie.
2. A famous fictional collie dog from books, TV, and movies.

me while I was eating, and seeing the clots of blood on my side he seemed very vexed. ‘Poor lassie! It was a bad business, a bad business,’ then he quietly took the rein and led me to the stable;

1. A bucket, typically made of metal or plastic, used for carrying liquids or solids.
2. The quantity held by a pail.

how long I was ill. Mr. Bond, the horse-doctor, came every day. One day he bled me; John held a pail for the blood. I felt very faint after it and thought I should die, and I believe they all

1. A rein used to control a horse's head movement, preventing it from lowering too far.
2. A restraint or limitation on someone's actions or freedom.

were sold to a fashionable gentleman, and were sent up to London. I had been driven with a checkrein by the dealer, and I hated it worse than anything else; but in this place we were reined far

1. Controlled or restrained, often referring to emotions or actions.
2. Guided or directed, as with reins on a horse.

but my lady—that’s another thing; she will have style, and if her carriage horses are not reined up tight she wouldn’t look at them. I always stand out against the gag-bit, and shall do so, but

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

James brought him in and put on his halter he said: “There, you rogue, mind how you behave yourself, or we shall get into trouble.” “What have you been doing, Merrylegs?” I asked. “Oh!” said he,

1. A priest in the Anglican Church responsible for a parish.
2. A representative or deputy acting on behalf of someone else.

IX Merrylegs Mr. Blomefield, the vicar, had a large family of boys and girls; sometimes they used to come and play with Miss Jessie and

1. The plant life of a particular region or period.
2. A book or other work detailing the plants of a region.

little fellow that he was a favorite with everyone, and especially with Miss Jessie and Flora, who used to ride him about in the orchard, and have fine games with him and their little dog

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

I just held the rein steady and did not hurry him, and it’s my opinion he has not been frightened or ill-used while he was young.” “That’s well,” said the squire, “I will try him myself

1. The long, thick hair growing from the neck or head of certain animals, like lions or horses.
2. A person's long, thick hair, often styled or flowing.

my corn I looked round. In the stall next to mine stood a little fat gray pony, with a thick mane and tail, a very pretty head, and a pert little nose. I put my head up to the iron rails at the

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

I am very handsome; I carry the young ladies on my back, and sometimes I take our mistress out in the low chair. They think a great deal of me, and so does James. Are you going to live

1. A vehicle used to carry a coffin during a funeral procession.
2. A framework for holding candles, used in churches.

house, where the pond is close to the road, the wheels went too near the edge, and the hearse was overturned into the water; both the horses were drowned, and the driver hardly escaped. Of

1. Uncommon in occurrence or experience.

than twenty years to get checkreins on the carthorses done away with, and in our parts you seldom saw them; and sometimes, if mistress met a heavily laden horse with his head strained up she

1. A light, open carriage with two wheels and a folding top, drawn by one horse.
2. A long reclining chair or daybed for relaxation.

me toward home one morning when we saw a powerful man driving toward us in a light pony chaise, with a beautiful little bay pony, with slender legs and a high-bred sensitive head and face.

1. The hips and thighs of a person or animal.
2. The hindquarters of a four-legged animal.

him stagger back with a cry that I shall never forget. The other horse was thrown upon his haunches and one shaft broken. It turned out that it was a horse from our own stables, with the

1. A unit of solar radiation measurement equal to one calorie per square centimeter.
2. A surname of English origin.

of his own rank as to those below him; for another day, when we were out, we met a Captain Langley, a friend of our master’s; he was driving a splendid pair of grays in a kind of break. After a

1. The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures.
2. A period of maturity or decline, often metaphorically.

XII A Stormy Day One day late in the autumn my master had a long journey to go on business. I was put into the dogcart, and John went with

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

“it would be rather awkward if one of these branches came down upon us.” The words were scarcely out of his mouth when there was a groan, and a crack, and a splitting sound, and tearing,

1. Shook involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or excitement.
2. Vibrated slightly, often referring to objects or surfaces.

us. I will never say I was not frightened, for I was. I stopped still, and I believe I trembled; of course I did not turn round or run away; I was not brought up to that. John jumped out and

1. A small boat or barge used for transporting goods or passengers.
2. (Archaic) A term of address for a man, similar to "hey" or "hello."

the tollgate on the other side ran out of the house, tossing a torch about like one mad. “Hoy, hoy, hoy! halloo! stop!” he cried. “What’s the matter?” shouted my master. “The bridge is broken in

1. Violent or forceful swinging or striking movements.
2. A severe beating or punishment.

again, but the pony turned off on the other side. Then the boy got off and gave him a hard thrashing, and knocked him about the head; then he got up again and tried to make him leap the gate,

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

kindly across at James, who all this time had stood still at the door, he said, “James, my lad, set down the oats and come here; I am very glad to find that John’s opinion of your character

1. The number following seventeen and preceding nineteen (18).
2. The age at which one legally becomes an adult in many countries.

some of ’em had got to sit on my box sixteen hours a day and get a living out of it and eighteen shillings beside, and that in all weathers; they would not be so uncommon particular never to

1. A former British currency unit, equal to 1/20 of a pound or 12 pence.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.

many bricks, but found nothing amiss; so he put down some lime and charged the master five shillings, and the smell in my box was as bad as ever. But that was not all: standing as I did on a

1. A person who takes care of horses at an inn or stable.
2. A stable worker responsible for feeding and grooming horses.

XV The Old Hostler After this it was decided by my master and mistress to pay a visit to some friends who lived

1. An agreement between parties on terms of a transaction.
2. Something bought at a lower price than usual.

Then the hard-faced man came back again and offered twenty-three pounds. A very close bargain was being driven, for my salesman began to think he should not get all he asked, and must come

1. A fine, soft fiber produced by silkworms, used to make fabric.
2. Fabric or thread made from this fiber.

next day at three o’clock we were again at the door, and the footmen as before; we heard the silk dress rustle and the lady came down the steps, and in an imperious voice she said, “York, you

1. The gentle neighing sound made by a horse.
2. To make such a sound.

man stepped forward and took me, and James darted back into the stable. I set up a shrill whinny as I saw him go. Ginger told me afterward that whinny was the best thing I could have done for

1. A female given name, short for Eleanor or Helen.
2. (Informal) A term of endearment for a woman or girl.

after himself, and take care of number one’?” “No, indeed,” said John, “where should I and Nelly have been if master and mistress and old Norman had only taken care of number one? Why, she in

1. Relating to the Normans, a medieval people of Normandy, France.
2. A style of architecture developed by the Normans, characterized by rounded arches.

things, and was like a mother to her. Then the master he took me into the stable under old Norman, the coachman that was then. I had my food at the house and my bed in the loft, and a suit of

1. A small establishment providing lodging, food, and drink (often in a rural setting).
2. A tavern or pub.

Lion, with several other people, gave evidence that he was intoxicated when he started from the inn. The keeper of the tollgate said he rode at a hard gallop through the gate; and my shoe was

1. Experienced a dull, continuous pain.
2. Felt distress or longing.

done right, he went away. Soon I began to shake and tremble, and turned deadly cold; my legs ached, my loins ached, and my chest ached, and I felt sore all over. Oh! how I wished for my warm,

1. A portable light source with a protective case, often with a handle.
2. A decorative or architectural structure with openings to emit light.

outside, and the hostler who had put up the traveler’s horse burst into the stable with a lantern, and began to untie the horses, and try to lead them out; but he seemed in such a hurry and so

1. Gentle, kind, or affectionate in manner.
2. Offering something formally, like a bid or resignation.

it killed a good many of your plants.” “A good many!” said Tom, “there was not one of the tender cuttings that was not nipped off. I shall have to strike all over again, and the worst of it is

1. Suitcases, bags, or other containers used to carry personal belongings while traveling.
2. The collective term for a traveler's packed items.

either Ginger or me; but it so happened one morning that John was out with Justice in the luggage cart, and the master wanted a note to be taken immediately to a gentleman’s house, about three

1. A form of punishment involving beating with a whip or stick.
2. The act of selling something quickly or aggressively.

wheels had stuck fast in the stiff mud of some deep ruts, and the carter was shouting and flogging the two horses unmercifully. Joe pulled up. It was a sad sight. There were the two horses

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

up his establishment and leaving England. We used to hear it talked about in our stable; indeed, nothing else was talked about. John went about his work silent and sad, and Joe scarcely

1. A metal ring on a harness for guiding reins.
2. A loop or ring on a horse's saddle or bridle.

way now. She had a good idea of what was coming, and the moment York took the rein off the terret in order to shorten it she took her opportunity and reared up so suddenly that York had his nose

1. A mechanical device used to lift or pull heavy objects with a rotating drum and cable.
2. A crank or handle used to operate machinery manually.

pole! Cut the trace here, somebody, if you can’t unhitch it!” One of the footmen ran for the winch, and another brought a knife from the house. The groom soon set me free from Ginger and the

1. A diminutive or affectionate form of the name Elizabeth.
2. A nickname for someone named Lizzie, often used informally.

you do not approve of ladies hunting; but still that is the fact, and I intend to try this Lizzie that you gentlemen are all so fond of; so please help me to mount, like a good friend as you

1. Straps used to control a horse while riding.
2. Symbolic control or guidance over something.

out of sight John came back. “We shall never see her again,” he said, “never.” He took the reins, mounted the box, and with Joe drove slowly home; but it was not our home now.

1. The sound a horse makes; a loud, high-pitched whinny.
2. Past tense of 'neigh,' meaning to make such a sound.

but she soon recovered herself. I gave a loud, shrill neigh for help; again and again I neighed, pawing the ground impatiently, and tossing my head to get the rein loose. I had not long to

1. The edible seed or grain of cereal plants like wheat or oats.
2. A small, hard particle or piece of something.

the stalks hurt me. He looked closely at it, shook his head, and told the man to fetch a good bran mash and put some meal into it. How good that mash was! and so soft and healing to my mouth. He

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

there are a great many foolish men, vain, ignorant, and careless, who never trouble themselves to think; these spoil more horses than all, just for want of sense; they don’t mean it, but they

1. Native Londoners, especially from the East End, known for their distinctive accent and slang.
2. People born within hearing distance of the Bow Bells (St Mary-le-Bow church bells) in London.

XXIX Cockneys Then there is the steam-engine style of driving; these drivers were mostly people from towns, who

1. A given name of Irish origin meaning "red king."
2. Short for "Rory McIlroy," a famous Northern Irish golfer.

but the next moment we were upon each other. Happily for me, I was on the side next the hedge. Rory was on the left side of the pole, and had not even a shaft to protect him. The man who was

1. A person who steals small items or petty thefts.
2. To steal something in a sneaky or furtive manner.

found another empty bag like that which was found full of oats in the boy’s basket. Filcher was cleaning my feet at the time, but they soon saw him, and though he blustered a good deal they

1. The hard, horny part of the feet of certain animals, like horses or cows.
2. (Verb) To walk or trample heavily.

some new change must be at hand; he trimmed my fetlocks and legs, passed the tarbrush over my hoofs, and even parted my forelock. I think the harness had an extra polish. Willie seemed

1. Excessively proud of oneself; vain.
2. Having an exaggerated sense of one's abilities or worth.

that Mr. Barry was very fortunate to meet with him. I should say he was the laziest, most conceited fellow I ever came near. Of course, it was a great thing not to be ill-used, but then a horse

1. A person who sells goods or services to customers.
2. A representative of a company who promotes and sells products.

back again and offered twenty-three pounds. A very close bargain was being driven, for my salesman began to think he should not get all he asked, and must come down; but just then the gray-eyed

1. To crush or mix ingredients into a soft, pulpy mass.
2. A mixture of ground malt and hot water used in brewing beer.

of punishing me as I expected, James came to me with his arm bound up, and brought me a bran mash and stroked me; and I have never snapped at him since, and I won’t either.” I was sorry for

1. A nickname for the name Pollyanna or Mary.
2. A colloquial term for a parrot, often used in children's stories.

to in a gentle voice, and I let them see as well as I could that I wished to be friendly. Polly thought I was very handsome, and a great deal too good for a cab, if it was not for the broken

1. Soldiers who fight on horseback.
2. Modern military units using armored vehicles.

and he went on. “It was one autumn morning, and as usual, an hour before daybreak our cavalry had turned out, ready caparisoned for the day’s work, whether it might be fighting or waiting.

1. A former British coin worth one twentieth of a pound.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

children.” “All very well for you religious chaps to talk so,” said Larry, “but I’ll turn a shilling when I can. I don’t believe in religion, for I don’t see that your religious people are any

1. Vehicles with wheels, typically horse-drawn, for transporting people.
2. The part of a train where passengers sit.

He was sure to go to the railway station just as the train was coming in, and cabs and carriages, carts and omnibuses were all trying to get over the bridge together; that bridge wanted good

1. Large vehicles for public transport, carrying many passengers (buses).
2. Collections of works (e.g., books, articles) in a single volume.

by the slightest touch of the rein; and that is a great thing in London, among carriages, omnibuses, carts, vans, trucks, cabs, and great wagons creeping along at a walking pace; some going one

1. Men who work, especially those engaged in manual labor.
2. A term historically used to refer to male workers collectively, often in industrial or trade jobs.

for what reason. Most of the men said he was a fool, but two or three took his part. “If workingmen don’t stick to their Sunday,” said Truman, “they’ll soon have none left; it is every man’s right

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

is a card party, you may have to wait a few minutes, but don’t be late.” As the clock struck eleven we were at the door, for Jerry was always punctual. The clock chimed the quarters, one, two,

1. Worn out or in poor condition from use or age.
2. Dressed in old or worn-out clothes.

of horses, would sometimes speak up if one came in very much jaded or ill-used. One day a shabby, miserable-looking driver, who went by the name of “Seedy Sam,” brought in his horse looking

1. A former British coin worth six pennies (½ of a shilling).
2. A small amount of money.

and that in all weathers; they would not be so uncommon particular never to give us a sixpence over or to cram all the luggage inside. Of course, some of ’em tip us pretty handsome now and

1. The tuft of hair on the back of a horse's leg, just above the hoof.
2. The joint or area where this hair grows, corresponding to the ankle in humans.

glossy neck was now straight, and lank, and fallen in; the clean straight legs and delicate fetlocks were swelled; the joints were grown out of shape with hard work; the face, that was once so full

1. Lifting or hauling something heavy with great effort.
2. Rising and falling rhythmically, like waves or a chest during heavy breathing.

up at a great pace. The horse was hot and much exhausted; he hung his head down, while his heaving sides and trembling legs showed how hard he had been driven. The lad jumped out of the cart and

1. A melodic framework in Indian classical music.
2. A term for passion or intense emotion in Sanskrit.

naughty boys,” she sobbed, “have thrown the dirt all over me, and called me a little raga—raga—” “They called her a little ‘blue’ ragamuffin, father,” said Harry, who ran in looking very

1. Dishonorable or villainous men (noun).
2. To behave in a treacherous or deceitful manner (verb).

mind, I won’t have any election blackguarding on my premises. There are as many ‘blue’ blackguards as there are ‘orange’, and as many white as there are purple, or any other color, and I won’t

1. A low, strong cart without sides, used for heavy loads.
2. A sled or carriage pulled by horses or other animals.

drawn by two powerful horses. The drayman was lashing his horses with his heavy whip; the dray was light, and they started off at a furious rate; the man had no control over them, and the

1. A person who drives a dray, a low, flat-bed wagon without sides, pulled by horses.
2. A worker responsible for transporting goods using a dray.

when Jerry saw a brewer’s empty dray coming along, drawn by two powerful horses. The drayman was lashing his horses with his heavy whip; the dray was light, and they started off at a furious

1. Drivers of horse-drawn cabs or taxis (historical).
2. Men who operate or drive cabs, especially in older contexts.

is wrong it can be done without; and a good man will find a way. And that is as true for us cabmen as it is for the churchgoers.”

1. (of a voice) sounding rough and harsh, typically due to a sore throat or shouting.
2. (of a person) having a rough or harsh voice.

a dirty old cab, liberty to abuse anyone that does not wear your color, and to shout yourself hoarse at what you only half-understand—that’s your liberty!” “Oh, father, you are laughing.” “No,

1. A person who hunts or catches wild birds.
2. A surname of English origin.

lady that father met last summer, who sent you and me five shillings each.” “Oh! Mrs. Fowler. Of course, I know all about her. I wonder what she is writing to mother about.” “Mother wrote to

1. A slang term for a toilet or outhouse.
2. An old term for a coarse or rustic person.

XLVI Jakes and the Lady I was sold to a corn dealer and baker, whom Jerry knew, and with him he thought I

1. Talking or acting loudly and aggressively but with little effect.
2. Blowing in strong gusts, as in wind or storm.

whether he would not take a second cab. “Can your horse do it, or can’t he?” said the blustering man. “Oh! he can do it all right, sir; send up the boxes, porter; he could take more than that,”

1. A diminutive or informal form of the name William.
2. (Slang) A term for the male genitalia.

XLVIII Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie At this sale, of course I found myself in company with the old broken-down horses—some lame,

1. Having a dignified, impressive, or grand appearance.
2. Characterized by formal or ceremonious dignity.

a white shawl, leaned on a younger lady, with dark eyes and a merry face; the other, a very stately-looking person, was Miss Blomefield. They all came and looked at me and asked questions. The