Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

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

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading When she was away, Mis came and sat on the same spot.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

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

From this reading When she was away, Mis came and sat on the same spot.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

having spots or patches of color

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

and nothing more

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

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

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

for more time

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

plural of “mi” — destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle

From this reading When she was away, Mis came and sat on the same spot.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

having spots or patches of color

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

not any; not one

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

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

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

Identical; not different.

From this reading When she was away, Mis came and sat on the same spot.

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

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

try to get or reach

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

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

From this reading When she was away, Mis came and sat on the same spot.

being one more than fifteen

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

not in physical motion

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

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

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Such a place, too, as most of this kind of bird still seek; for not all of them, by any means, are roof-dwellers in cities.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

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 Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

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

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

at the time that

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

in or at the place that

From this reading No, so far as color went, Mother Nomer might have chosen a spot in an open field, where there were little broken sticks or stones to give it a mottled look--such a place, indeed, as her ancestors used to find for their nesting in the old days when there were no houses.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Our bird with the dappled feathers, however, sat in one little spot on that large roof for about sixteen days and nights, with time enough off now and then to get food and water, and to exercise her wings.

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

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.

a late time of life

From this reading Of course, it was not just the gravel on the flat roof that would match her feathers; for there isn't a house in the land that is nearly so old as one thousand years, and birds of this sort have been building much longer than that.