Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

a yard adjoining a barn

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

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

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

plural of “chore” — a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

make a crackling sound

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

house for a farmer and family

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

a strong current of air

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

a boy or man

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

past form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

abnormally large

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

above and across; more than

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

aged or processed

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

be seated

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

plural of “snowflake” — a crystal of snow

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

American architect (1759-1828)

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

On the present night.

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

extremely

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading At every fresh gust the fire would crackle and the little blue flames start up along the none-too-well seasoned logs.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

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

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

at the time that

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

during the time that

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

a Caucasian

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

conducive to or characteristic of physical or moral well-being

From this reading He was a sturdy lad, healthy, cheerful, wholesome, and tonight he was thinking.

English physician who was a pioneer in the study of the brain (1621-1675)

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The snow-laden wind was sweeping across the "Flat Bush."

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Outside the old farmhouse the great dead limb of a monstrous white oak moaned and sighed, while the usual sounds from the barnyard were lost in the patter of the icy snowflakes that rattled against the window pane.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.

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

From this reading A Story Is Told and a Promise Made An open fire had always been tremendously fascinating to Willis Thornton, and on winter evenings, when his chores were done and supper over, he would pile the big fireplace high with maple logs, then sit and dream as the flames danced and the fire roared.