Chapter VII

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

having no known name or identity or known source

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

plural of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

the act of creating written works

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

a young person of either sex

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “demand” — an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

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

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

extremely pleasing

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a social unit living together

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

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

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

plural of “history” — the aggregate of past events

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

cause to move by striking

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

the act of retaining something

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

young domestic cat

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

tiny; relating to or characteristic of the imaginary country of Lilliput

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

plural of “limitation” — a principle that limits the extent of something

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “moralist” — a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a walk around a territory (a parish or manor or forest etc.) in order to officially assert and record its boundaries

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

plural of “prototype” — a standard or typical example

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

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

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

an educational institution

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

estrangement from god

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

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

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

former cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom equal to three pennies

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

plural of “travel” — the act of going from one place to another

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure

From this reading Little novels, following their grown-up prototypes with unequal steps, had their own limitations of setting and character.

not admitting of pardon

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They were mostly innocent of Theory, but an intimate acquaintance with the Child of Nature taught them in one way or another to avoid the unpardonable sin of dulness.

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

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.

which person or people

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

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

From this reading DEVICES OF THE MORALIST Family authorship—Limitations of the little novel—the English setting in early woodcuts: Thomas and John Bewick—the first school-story: Sarah Fielding’s _Governess_—Stories of country and domestic life: _The Village School_ and _Jemima Placid_—Other school-stories—Nature and Truth in _The Juvenile Spectator_—Adventures of animals—Mrs. Trimmer’s _Fabulous Histories_—_The Life and Perambulation of a Mouse_—_Keeper’s Travels_—_The Kitten of Sentiment_—Adventures of things: _The Silver Threepence_ and the _Pincushion_.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading They emerged from a good company of aunts and mothers who, with a sprinkling of fathers, were driven into anonymous authorship by the demands of their own families: minor moralists, without any special gifts of art or imagination, who managed to draw live pictures from their own little world, and hit upon simple devices for holding attention and exciting interest.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading The great writers for children were neither Lilliputian nor Rousseauist.