Chapter I

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

possessing life

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

a young person of either sex

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

of metal e.g.

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

the first light of day

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college

From this reading Dean Wolcott was different.

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

by giving a description

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Dean Wolcott was different.

separate into parts or portions

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

plural of “equal” — a person who is of equal standing with another in a group

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

provided with a frame

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

perennial plants having thick branching aromatic rhizomes and leafy reedlike stems

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

worthy of religious veneration

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

plural of “henchman” — someone who assists in a plot

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

immediately past

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

of less size or importance

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

the force of workers available

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

past form of “nickname” — give a nickname to

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

and nothing more

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

plural of “rancher” — a person who owns or operates a ranch

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

a native or inhabitant of Scotland

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

without hesitation

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

not inclined to ask questions

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

marked by diversity or difference

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

a state in the eastern United States; one of the original 13 colonies; one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

someone who visits

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

past form of “vow” — make a vow; promise

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

during the time that

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

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

From this reading Dean Wolcott was different.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading He was framed in mystery and hallowed by grief, coming to her--almost like a visitant from another world--in the dawn of a Christmas Day she had vowed not to keep, bringing her the word of her dead brother for which she had thirsted, and a stained and crumpled letter in Aleck’s own hand.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Always she had been able to divide the men of her world unhesitatingly into two classes--her equals, her inferiors.

a late time of life

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Her father, that stolid Scot, had died while she was a hearty and unimaginative child; Aleck, her only brother, killed on the last day of fighting in the Great War, had been her pal and play-fellow, as were, in lesser and varying degrees, the young ranchers of the miles-wide neighborhood, while the _vaqueros_ and old Estrada, _mayordomo_ of her cattle ranch, were her henchmen, loyal, admiring, unquestioning.

marked by spirited enjoyment

From this reading FOR the first time in her life--she had been alive twenty-two vivid and zestful years--Virginia Valdés McVeagh, nicknamed, descriptively, “Ginger,” felt something like reverence for a male creature of her own species.