Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

later than; following

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

(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 When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

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

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

aroused or activated

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

completely unclothed

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

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

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

placed crosswise

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

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

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

bring shame or dishonor upon

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

plural of “elm” — any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

a social unit living together

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

a social unit living together

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

not capable of being separated

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

the sound of laughing

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

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

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

lacking brilliance or vitality

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

derogatory term for a variation that is not genuine; something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

many times at short intervals

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

incited, especially deliberately, to anger

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

censure severely or angrily

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

action taken in return for an injury or offense

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

cut with a saw

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

covered with sedges (grasslike marsh plants)

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

plural of “shout” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

not in physical motion

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

possessive form of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

required or under orders

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

of or concerning this or that

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

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

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

information about recent and important events

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

the extreme end of something; especially something pointed

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

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

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

lacking civility or good manners

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

lacking kindness

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

without beauty or charm

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

not up to expectations

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

precisely as stated

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

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

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When, about an hour later, after their daily custom, this almost inseparable trio fell into the breakfast-room as if the door had suddenly given way before them, the boys were able to revenge themselves for the rebuke this entrance provoked by the tidings they brought with them.

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

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

at the time that

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE STRANGER'S GOSPEL From the short unsatisfying slumber which sometimes follows a night of insomnia I was awakened by the laughter and shouts of children.

which person or people

From this reading They had bought him with their own pocket-money from a tinker who was ill-using him, and then claimed for him the hospitality of their parents; so, though Atherley often spoke of the dog as a disgrace to the household, he remained a member thereof, and received, from a family incapable of being uncivil, far less unkind, to an animal, as much attention as if he had been high-bred and beautiful--which indeed he plainly supposed himself to be.

belonging to which person

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the lawn, still wet with dew, and crossed by the shadows of the bare elms, Atherley's little sons, Harold and Denis, were playing with a very unlovely but much-beloved mongrel called Tip.

plural of “woodland” — land that is covered with trees and shrubs

From this reading When I looked out I saw brooding above the hollow a still gray day, in whose light the woodlands of the park were all in sombre brown, and the trout stream between its sedgy banks glided dark and lustreless.