Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

state capital of New York; located in eastern New York State on the west bank of the Hudson river

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

plural of “bunch” — a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

for the most part

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

past form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

to the greatest distance in space or time (“farthest” is used more often than “furthest” in this physical sense)

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

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

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

a Malayan dagger with a wavy blade

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

immediately past

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

a persistent but subordinate motif

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

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

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

-ing form of “prance” — to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

plural of “prank” — acting like a clown or buffoon

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading "Down here in the city it is chiefly New Year day which is observed, but thank fortune Gulian is sufficiently Dutch to believe in St. Nicholas."

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

having or as if having three legs

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

the act of tying or binding things together

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

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

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

make whistling sounds

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

-ing form of “whittle” — cut small bits or pare shavings from

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Of these a large hamperful stood at her elbow, and Peter was cutting away the smaller branches, with a face of importance.

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading A FACE ON THE WALL Betty sat in her favorite seat, a low, three-legged cricket, on the side farthest from the fire in Clarissa's little morning-room; it was the day before Christmas, and Betty's fingers were busy tying evergreens into small bunches and wreaths.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading My, what fun we boys had up in the old Beverwyck at Albany last year," and Peter chuckled at the recollection of past pranks.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "So you have never kept Christmas before," said he, pausing in his cheerful whistle, which he kept up under his breath like a violin obligato to his whittling of boughs; "and you don't believe in Kris Kringle and his prancing reindeers?