Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

anew

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

a youthful male person

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

difficult to describe

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

unproductive of success

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

a quick look

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

death of a person

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

place in a grave or tomb

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

plural of “motor” — machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

of an obscure nature

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

a human being

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

generous in assistance to the poor

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

the sport of engaging in contests of speed

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

past form of “reward” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

someone who transmits a message

From this reading Neither was the search for the sender of the Christmas baskets rewarded.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

at some indefinite or unstated time

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

that is looked for

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

with spasms

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

the season of growth

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

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

From this reading The boy had never forgotten this delightful stranger or quite abandoned the hope that he might sometime see him again.

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

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

-ing form of “tramp” — travel on foot, especially on a walking expedition

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

up to a particular time

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.

plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading But, alas, day succeeded day and never did any of the fleeting vehicles his glance followed contain the person he sought.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

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

From this reading A RELUCTANT ALTRUIST As spring came and Carl was more out of doors playing ball and tramping the open country his watchful eyes were continually scanning passing motors for a possible glimpse of the mysterious red racing car and its genial owner.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading Spasmodically since mid-winter the Harlings and McGregors had cudgeled their brains to discover this elusive good fairy until at length, exhausted by fruitless effort, they agreed to inter Louise's philanthropic Mr. X in a nameless grave.