Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

(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 A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

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

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

for the reason that

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

next to; at the side of

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

in a courageous manner

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “combatant” — someone who fights (or is fighting)

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

past form of “defend” — argue or speak in defense of

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

greatly pleased

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

an udder or breast or teat

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

in a physically fierce manner

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

incapable of being passed

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

and nothing more

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

plural of “lane” — a narrow way or road

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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 of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

not any; not one

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

above and across; more than

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

past form of “rejoice” — feel happiness or joy

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

make a splashing sound

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

express in speech

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

make square

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading There was no end to the great balls which were rolled along the streets.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

in or at that place or location

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading A strong fort was built on the square beside the pump, which was fiercely attacked and bravely defended, and battles were fought through all the streets before the snow was trodden into black slush beneath the feet of the combatants.

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

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading January was nearly over before there came any frost to speak of, and the first bright, sharp weather, it was said, did much good to the sick folk in the town.

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

From this reading Many of the lanes were filled full, and some of the folk had to be dug out, because the snow had covered their doors.

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

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

which person or people

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Then they had snow--not just a shower to excite first expectation and then disappointment among the lads and lassies who rejoiced in its coming, as they mostly delighted in any change that came--but a heavy fall, and then a high wind which drifted it here and there between the hills and made some of the roads impassable for the time.