used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
acknowledgeverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒ/
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
anew
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
in the past
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
earlier than; in front of
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
the sacred writings of the Christian religions
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
children's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
Christian's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
compellingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpelɪŋ/
driving or forcing
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
comprehendverbUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhend/
get the meaning of something
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
conningverbUS /ˈkɑːnɪŋ/
inflected form of “con” — deprive of by deceit
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
deafadjectiveUS /def/
lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
an established custom
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
inquisitivelyadverb
with curiosity
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
irreligiousadjective
hostile or indifferent to religion
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
kneltverbUS /nelt/
inflected form of “kneel” — rest one's weight on one's knees
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
immediately past
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
go away from a place
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
on one occasion
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
and nothing more
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
petitionsnounUS /pəˈtɪʃənz/
plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
Prayer-Book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
recurring again and again
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
express in words
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
sneeringlyadverb
with a sneer; in an uncomplimentary sneering manner
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
express a supposition
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
carry out
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a special situation
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
up to a particular time
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She repeated this more than once, as if compelling herself to acknowledge it, and then paused.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
uncalled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
uncomprehendingadjective
lacking understanding
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
untoprepositionUS /ˈʌntuː/
an old word for “to”
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She started, as if only now she began to comprehend the full force of that awful union--"one flesh" and "till death us do part."
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
literature in metrical form
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
migratory
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Christian was not exactly a religious woman--that is, she had lived among such utterly irreligious people, that whatever she thought or felt upon these subjects had to be kept entirely to herself--but she was of a religious nature.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Before this momentous journey she did the same; but, instead of a Bible, it happened to be the children's Prayer-Book which she took up; it opened at the Marriage Service, which they had been inquisitively conning over; and the first words which flashed upon Christian's eyes were those which had two hours ago passed over her deaf ears, and dull, uncomprehending heart-- _"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."_
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading She said her prayers duly, and she had one habit--or superstition, some might sneeringly call it--that the last thing before she went on a journey she always opened her Bible; read a verse or two, and knelt down, if only to say, "God, take care of me, and bring me safe back again;" petitions that in many a wretched compelled wandering were not so uncalled for as some might suppose.
