Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

later than; following

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

causing inconvenience

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

plural of “biscuit” — small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

stir (cream) vigorously in order to make butter

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

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

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

the state of being out of favor

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

causing mental discomfort

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

the quality of being domestic or domesticated

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

divisible by two

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

start firing a weapon

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

destroyed or killed

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

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

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

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

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

assets that are saleable though not material or physical

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

take in marriage

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

-ing form of “neglect” — leave undone or leave out

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

during or for the length of one night

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

plural of “pie” — dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

clean with hard rubbing

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

without speaking

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Of late there had been other signs of her disfavour, as intangible but more disquieting.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

not having or showing or requiring special skill or proficiency

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

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

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

in the company of; together with

From this reading At first she was so awkward that he could not help laughing at her; but she laughed with him and that made them better friends.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading He did his best to supplement her unskilled efforts, getting up earlier than usual to light the kitchen fire, carrying in the wood overnight, and neglecting the mill for the farm that he might help her about the house during the day.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Ethan had an idea that if she were to marry a man she was fond of the dormant instinct would wake, and her pies and biscuits become the pride of the county; but domesticity in the abstract did not interest her.

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

From this reading He even crept down on Saturday nights to scrub the kitchen floor after the women had gone to bed; and Zeena, one day, had surprised him at the churn and had turned away silently, with one of her queer looks.