used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
Adah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
Adah's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
anew
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
AnnanounUS /ˈænə/
a former copper coin of Pakistan and India
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
completely unclothed
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
brushedadjectiveUS /brʌʃt/
touched lightly in passing; grazed against
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
Charlie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
an old word for “before”
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
faintingverbUS /ˈfeɪntɪŋ/
-ing form of “faint” — pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
destroyed or killed
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
handwritingnounUS /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/
something written by hand
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
only a very short time before
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
IndianounUS /ˈɪndiə/
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
immediately past
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
the literary culture
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
held up in the air
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
informal terms for a mother
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
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 Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
Millbrook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
pillownounUS /ˈpɪloʊ/
a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
risers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
cut with a saw
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Putting out her arms she lifted him carefully into her own bed, and in doing so brushed from her pillow the letters left for her.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
steppingverbUS /ˈstepɪŋ/
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
TerracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
arousing affect
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Anna had hardly been human had she waited an instant ere she tore open the envelope and learned how many times and with how little success Charlie Millbrook had written to her since his return from India.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading But it did not matter then, and for a full half hour she lay waiting for Adah's return.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
at the time that
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
Willie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
Willie'snounUS /ˈwɪliz/
possessive form of “willies” — feelings of uneasiness
From this reading EXCITEMENT They were not early risers at Terrace Hill, and the morning following Adah's flight Anna slept later than usual; nor was it until Willie's baby cry, calling for mamma, was heard, that she awoke, and thinking Adah had gone down for something, she bade Willie come to her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
showing curiosity
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading Growing impatient at last, she stepped upon the floor, her bare feet touching something cold, something which made her look down and find that she was stepping on a letter--not one, but two--and in wondering surprise she turned them to the light, half fainting with excitement, when on the back of the first one examined she saw the old familiar handwriting, and knew that Charlie had written again!