Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

past form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

lacking funds

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

a long narrow excavation in the earth

From this reading "Into the ditch with you."

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

a young female

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

in a joyous manner

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

plural of “hound” — any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

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

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Into the ditch with you."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

a particular point in time

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

above and across; more than

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

to move hurriedly

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

in a vehement outcry

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

in the near future

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

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

From this reading "Everything in the right place!" he cried.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

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

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

during the time that

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Then he burst out laughing, for that he called fun; the others joined in--the whole party shouted and cried, while the hounds barked.

any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Into the ditch with you."

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading It was the hand of a pedlar; he had witnessed what had happened from a short distance, and now hastened to assist her.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading While the poor girl was falling she happily caught one of the branches of the willow tree, by the help of which she held herself over the water, and as soon as the baron with his company and the dogs had disappeared through the gate, the girl endeavoured to scramble up, but the branch broke off, and she would have fallen backward among the rushes, had not a strong hand from above seized her at this moment.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Into the ditch with you."