Chapter I

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

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now he could rest.

a finely woven white linen

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading But now he could rest.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

conveyance consisting of a wheeled support on which a camera can be mounted

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

put on clothes

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

having lost freshness or brilliance of color

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

the abode of a hermit

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a woman host

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

occurring at or characteristic of a formal investiture or induction

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

past form of “inaugurate” — commence officially

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

3rd President of the United States; chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

a short crowbar

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

immediately past

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

4th President of the United States; member of the Continental Congress and rapporteur at the Constitutional Convention in 1776; helped frame the Bill of Rights (1751-1836)

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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 Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

and nothing more

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

attach to a support

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

not any; not one

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

put a saddle on

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

being six more than sixty

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

partially melted snow (or a mixture of rain and snow)

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

having a supporting base

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

not in physical motion

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a slight amount or degree of difference

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

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

From this reading He was grateful, Thomas Jefferson was thinking as he toiled up the stairs, that he had been able to see his good friend, Jemmy Madison, inaugurated president of these new and struggling United States.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

vigorous and animated

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

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

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

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

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.

a Caucasian

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading In the half-furnished rooms of the White House below, the crowd still danced at the Inaugural Ball, with the wife of the new president, sparkling, vivacious Dolly Madison, a gay and charming hostess in a sweeping white cambric dress and the inevitable enormous turban on her head.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Christmas at Monticello with _Thomas Jefferson_ _Christmas for Tad_ _No Tears for Christmas_ _Christmas at Mount Vernon_ _Her Christmas at the Hermitage_ _Christmas with Robert E. Lee_ Suddenly, as he climbed the long, curving flight of stairs, he knew that now he was an old man.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Sixty-six last April, and, though his sandy red hair had merely faded instead of turning gray, there were twinges in his knees that reminded him of too many miles in the saddle, in cold rain and sleet, too many hours standing at his writing table, too much tension, not enough rest.