used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
Annie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
babyhoodnounUS /ˈbeɪbihʊd/
the early stage of growth or development
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
BUSHnounUS /bʊʃ/
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading UNDER THE LAUREL BUSH.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
dispatchedverbUS /dɪˈspætʃt/
past form of “dispatch” — send away towards a designated goal
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
frettedadjectiveUS /ˈfretɪd/
having frets
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
intenselyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈtensli/
to a high degree; extremely; in high concentration or density
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
LAURELnounUS /ˈlɔːrəl/
any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
From this reading UNDER THE LAUREL BUSH.
LavenderadjectiveUS /ˈlævəndər/
of a pale purple color
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
for more time
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
much-loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
NannounUS /næn/
your grandmother
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
Nan'snounUS /nænz/
possessive form of “nan” — your grandmother
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
not any; not one
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
non-plussed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
on one occasion
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
ownedadjectiveUS /oʊnd/
having an owner; often used in combination
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
precariousadjectiveUS /priˈkeriəs/
affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
remaindernounUS /rɪˈmeɪndər/
something left after other parts have been taken away
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
not in physical motion
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
studiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/
plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading UNDER THE LAUREL BUSH.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
UNDERprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading UNDER THE LAUREL BUSH.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mrs. Willis dispatched her letter that very day, and by the following evening the nurse was once more in possession of her much-loved little charge.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
accept gladly
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
at the time that
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
WillisnounUS /ˈwɪlɪs/
English physician who was a pioneer in the study of the brain (1621-1675)
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The habits of her babyhood were too strong for Nan; she returned to them gladly enough, and though in her heart of hearts she was still intensely loyal to Annie, she no longer fretted when she was not with her.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
produce a literary work
From this reading Suddenly a welcome idea occurred to her; she would write at once to Nan's old nurse, and see if she could come to Lavender House for the remainder of the present term.
but in spite of that
From this reading Mrs. Willis owned to herself that she was non-plussed; it was quite impossible to allow Annie to neglect her studies, and yet little Nan's health was still too precarious to allow her to run the risk of having the child constantly fretted.
