Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

(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 And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

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

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

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

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

plural of “better” — something superior in quality or condition or effect

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a hat tied under the chin

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

free from clouds

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

an occurrence of something

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

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

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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 A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

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

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.

not any; not one

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a local church community

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

move upward

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

for a limited time only; not permanently

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, indeed, the girls "are drest in all their best."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

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

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

the upper part of anything

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

From this reading Many a new bright ribbon has been purchased on the previous market-day, and many a twist and turn the congregation side of their bonnets has had.

up to a particular time

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

(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 And well it is for the girls and boys of a parish, of a district, of a county, ay, of all Ireland, if it should rise upon them in the glowing beauty of a cloudless sun.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A bow of new ribbon, blue or red, according to their complexion--for these country girls are no more fools in such a matter than their betters--has been held first to this side of their bonnet, then to that; then the long ends have been brought across the top this way, then that way, temporarily fastened with pins in the first instance, until it is held at arm's-length, with the head a little to one side, to test the final position.

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading New Year's Day is always a holiday.