Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

later than; following

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

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

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

make a resonant sound, like artillery

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

tilt or slant to one side

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading With the coming of spring my duties as a teamster returned.

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

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a small replica of a person; used as a toy

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

pull, as against a resistance

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading With the coming of spring my duties as a teamster returned.

joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

past form of “flutter” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

draw a harrow over

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

plural of “hen” — adult female chicken

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

foreshadow or presage

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

a small natural hill

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

North American songbirds having a yellow breast

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

immediately past

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

march in a procession

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the process of becoming mellow

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading With the coming of spring my duties as a teamster returned.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a thin strip of covered cord used to edge hems

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

(of farmland) broken and turned over with a plow

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

past form of “quicken” — move faster

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

release, as from one's grip

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading With the coming of spring my duties as a teamster returned.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

plural of “rooster” — adult male chicken

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the quality of being significant

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

the complete duration of something

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

the season of growth

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

utter a harsh abrupt scream

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the first light of day

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

the driver of a team of horses doing hauling

From this reading With the coming of spring my duties as a teamster returned.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

in or at that place or location

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

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

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

made or having become thick

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

up to a particular time

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

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

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

at the time that

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

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

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

during the time that

From this reading My father put me in charge of a harrow, and with old Doll and Queen--quiet and faithful span--I drove upon the field which I had plowed the previous October, there to plod to and fro behind my drag, while in the sky above my head and around me on the mellowing soil the life of the season, thickened.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Day by day the call of this gay herald of spring was taken up by others until at last the whole horizon was ringing with a sunrise symphony of exultant song.

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

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

showing pensive sadness

From this reading "_Boom, boom, boom!_" called the roosters; "_cutta, cutta, wha-whoop-squaw, squawk!_" answered the hens as they fluttered and danced on the ridges--and mingled with their jocund hymn we heard at last the slender, wistful piping of the prairie lark.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The Homestead on the Knoll Spring came to us that year with such sudden beauty, such sweet significance after our long and depressing winter, that it seemed a release from prison, and when at the close of a warm day in March we heard, pulsing down through the golden haze of sunset, the mellow _boom, boom, boom_ of the prairie cock our hearts quickened, for this, we were told, was the certain sign of spring.