Chapter VIII · A Merry Christmas

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

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

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

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a man who has never been married

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

have

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

a youthful male person

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

(New Testament) one of the three sages from the east who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

-ing form of “catalogue” — make an itemized list or catalog of; classify

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a female human offspring

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

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

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

plural of “expense” — amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

a social unit living together

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

your parents

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

set up or found

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

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

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

having a series of high-pitched ringing sounds like many small bells

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

conformity or harmony

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a room where books are kept

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

held dear

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

engage in

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

a business engaged in manufacturing some product

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

used to form the superlative

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

plural of “porter” — a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

without much difficulty

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

possessing material wealth

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

-ing form of “separate” — act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

have in common

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

a male human offspring

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

very large in expanse or scope

From this reading With a merry jingling of the bells, the family sleigh drove into the spacious grounds.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

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

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

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

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

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

From this reading They loved Dave almost as a son, and it was their proposal that the Porters make the big mansion their home.

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

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

at the time that

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

which person or people

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading As Dave’s father was a widower and his brother Dunston was a bachelor, they readily agreed to this, provided they were allowed to share the expenses.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading As my old readers know, the Wadsworth family and the Porters all lived together, for when Dave found his folks and brought them to Crumville, the rich jewelry manufacturer and his wife could not bear to think of separating from the boy who had saved their daughter from being burned to death.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.

the act of creating written works

From this reading With the two families was old Caspar Potts, who spent most of his time in the library, cataloguing the books, keeping track of the magazines, and writing a volume on South American history.