Chapter XXXIII · Chapter 33

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

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

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

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

plural of “burden” — an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

ruin completely

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

plural of “cast” — the actors in a play

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

plural of “cherub” — a sweet innocent baby

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

a young person of either sex

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

past form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

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

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

having lost your job

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

plural of “elephant” — five-toed pachyderm

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

having an evil appearance

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

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

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

plural of “giraffe” — tallest living quadruped; having a spotted coat and small horns and very long neck and legs; of savannahs of tropical Africa

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

a major road for any form of motor transport

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

an iconic mental representation

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

plural of “image” — an iconic mental representation

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

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

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

and nothing more

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

a large number or amount

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

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

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

American Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1731-1814)

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

plural of “peddler” — someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

a light shade of red

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

apply a heavy coat to

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

so unreasonable as to invite derision

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

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

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

a large number or amount

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

past form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

an educational institution

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

a building where young people receive education

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

express a supposition

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

past form of “tint” — color lightly

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

male cat

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

-ing form of “topple” — fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

proclaim on, or as if on, a trumpet

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

directly under, often hidden by what is above

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE IMAGE PEDDLERS I think it was the following Friday afternoon that a curious diversion occurred at the schoolhouse, just as the school was dismissed.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

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

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I suppose the loads were not as heavy as they looked, but the boys were having a hard time of it, to judge from their distressed faces peering anxiously from underneath the rafts which, at each step, rocked to and fro and seemed always on the point of toppling.

a Caucasian

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Coming slowly along the white highway two small boys were espied, each carrying on his head a raft-like platform laden with plaster-of-Paris images.

a late time of life

From this reading They were dark-complexioned little fellows, not more than twelve or thirteen years old; and were having difficulty to keep their feet and stagger along with their preposterous burdens.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading The plaster casts comprised images of saints, elephants, giraffes, cherubs with little wings tinted in pink and yellow, a tall Madonna and Child, a bust of George Washington, a Napoleon, a grinning Voltaire, an angel with a pink trumpet and an evil-looking Tom Paine.