Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

anew

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

any thing at all

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

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

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

become glassy; lose clear vision

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

dearly loved

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

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

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

a room used for dining

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

remove the dust from

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

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

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

divisible by two

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

a unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

a young female

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

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

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

be the source of pain

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

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

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

make (textiles) by knitting

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

French soldier who served under George Washington in the American Revolution (1757-1834)

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

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

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

not able to be found

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

not any; not one

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

by chance

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

a human being

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

fasten by sewing; do needlework

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

hosiery consisting of a cloth covering for the foot; worn inside the shoe; reaches to between the ankle and the knee

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

in or at or to some place

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

not in physical motion

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

an unbroken period of time during which you do something

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

plural of “stitch” — a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

express in words

From this reading Gilbert Merrill had gone about the city making inquiries, but no one had seen Hero, or could tell him anything about Ruth's dog.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

in or at that place or location

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

information about recent and important events

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

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

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was very difficult for Ruth to attend to the tasks that Aunt Deborah set for her; for all she could think of was Hero.

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

From this reading GILBERT AND LAFAYETTE Two days passed and there was no tidings of the missing dog; and even Aunt Deborah began to fear that they should never see him again.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

at the time that

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

which person or people

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Ruth dropped stitches in her knitting, for a little blur of tears hid her work from sight when she thought that perhaps her dear Hero might be hurt, unable to find his way home; or perhaps he was shut up somewhere by some cruel person who did not care if he was fed or not.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Aunt Deborah was very sorry for her little niece, but she still insisted that Ruth should dust the dining-room as carefully each morning as if Hero was safe in the yard; that the little girl should knit her stint on the gray wool sock, intended for some loyal soldier, and sew for a half hour each afternoon.