Chapter XII

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

(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 But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

Having no one else present.

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

strongly attracted

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

being joined in close association

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

a female human offspring

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He and Herbie were to leave next day.

showing deference

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

true confidential information

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

a movement into or inward

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

past form of “exert” — put to use

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

a town in northeastern Massachusetts on Cape Ann to the northeast of Boston; the harbor has been a fishing center for centuries

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

draw a harrow over

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading He and Herbie were to leave next day.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

go away from a place

From this reading He and Herbie were to leave next day.

engage in

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading He and Herbie were to leave next day.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

and nothing more

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

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

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

without much difficulty

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

an educational institution

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

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

From this reading “THERE’S a man I could easily find it in my heart to envy,” Humphrey Meadowcroft said to himself one evening a fortnight later as he sat alone in his room in the almost empty house.

up to a particular time

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

under normal conditions

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

cover with wax

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.

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

From this reading He and Herbie were to leave next day.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading But he had been more than usually deferential as he exerted himself to make her see the wisdom of not only allowing but urging her daughter to be as nearly normal as it was possible to be in all her relations, and had convinced her readily.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Phillips and the servants had already gone to her place at Gloucester for the summer, but he had waited until he should have settled certain details connected with Rose Harrow’s entering the high school at Paulding.

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

From this reading Mrs. Harrow had been so charmed by Meadowcroft’s personality that she would in any event have been as wax in his hands.