Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

higher than, or over, something

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

possessing life

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

(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 "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

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

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

placed in a grave

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

without stop or interruption

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

perceptible by the senses or intellect

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

with disgust

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

aimless wandering from place to place

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

a new personification of a familiar idea

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

a social unit living together

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

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

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

plural of “illustration” — artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

any long and arduous undertaking

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

become covered with mist

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

by reasonable assumption

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

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

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

only a very short time before

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

plural of “sensation” — an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The sensations, I should imagine, are about the same."

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

in the direction of

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

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

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

United States landscape architect (born in England) who designed Central Park (1824-1895)

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

the visual percept of a region

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading One might as well be buried alive, and be done with it.

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

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

plural of “windmill” — a mill that is powered by the wind

From this reading Being an Account of Certain Surprising Adventures Which Befell an American Family in the Land of Windmills AUTHOR OF "THE MARATHON MYSTERY," "THE HOLLADAY CASE," ETC.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With Illustrations by F. VAUX WILSON Archibald Rushford, tall, lean, the embodiment of energy, stood at the window, hands in pockets, and stared disgustedly out at the dreary vista of sand-dunes and bathing-machines, closed in the distance by a stretch of gray sea mounting toward a horizon scarcely discernible through the drifting mist which hung above the water.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading "Though why you wanted to come here at all," he continued, presumably addressing two young ladies in the room behind him, "or why you want to stay, now you _are_ here, passes my comprehension.