Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

again but in a new or different way

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

later than; following

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

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

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

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

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

on, to, or at the top

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

for the reason that

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

in a breathless manner

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the act of burning something

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

a system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

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

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading So well do I know, that I do not retire--not just yet.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

make full, also in a metaphorical sense

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

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

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

make a loud noise

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

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

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

and nothing more

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

immediately past

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

a particular point in time

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

the middle of the day

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

United States civil rights leader who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery (Alabama) and so triggered the national Civil Rights movement (born in 1913)

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

with patience; in a patient manner

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

plural of “pavement” — the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

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

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

set that receives radio or tv signals

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position

From this reading So well do I know, that I do not retire--not just yet.

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

except for; apart from

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

move stealthily

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So well do I know, that I do not retire--not just yet.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

in a surreptitious manner

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

imagine to be the case or true or probable

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

plural of “switch” — control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

carry out

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

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

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

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

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

a note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

being present everywhere at once

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

lacking any legal or binding force

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Instead, on a pretext, any pretext, I knock out the ashes from my old pipe, fill it afresh, and wait.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading So well do I know, that I do not retire--not just yet.

at the time that

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

belonging to which person

From this reading I wait patiently, because, inevitable as Fate, inevitable as that call from out the dark void of the sky, I know there will come a trill of the telephone on the desk at my elbow; my own Polly--whose name happens to be Mary--is watching as I take down the receiver to reply.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

-ing form of “wing” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading But when at last, of an afternoon, the wind switches with a great flurry from south to dead north, and on the flag-pole atop of the government building there goes up this signal: ; and when later, just before retiring, I surreptitiously slip out of doors, and, listening breathlessly, hear after a moment despite the clatter of the wind, high up in the darkness overhead that muffled _honk!_ _honk!_ _honk!_ of the Canada-goose winging on its southern journey in advance of the coming storm--then I _know_.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When, on my desk-pad calendar the month recorded is October, and the day begins with a twenty, there comes the first premonition of winter; not the reality, but a premonition; when, at noon the sun is burning hot, and, in the morning, frost glistens on the pavements; when the leaves are falling steadily in the parks, and not a bird save the ubiquitous sparrow is seen, I begin to suspect.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading And I, the observer--worse, the accessory--know, in advance, when the metamorphosis will transpire.

but in spite of that

From this reading So well do I know, that I do not retire--not just yet.