Chapter V · The Law of Laughter

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

later than; following

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

(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 "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

next to; at the side of

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

a small third seat in the back of an old-fashioned two-seater

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

-ing form of “doze” — sleep lightly or for a short period of time

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

at any time

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

plural of “fan” — a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

a small natural hill

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

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

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

with relatively high volume

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

superlative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

occurring from time to time

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

with low volume

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

a special situation

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading In a near-by tree an insect insisted that "Katy did," and in the grass a cricket chirruped its shrill call.

hard to endure

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

the topmost one of two

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

migratory

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

the act of signaling by a movement of the hand

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading The Mortons were sitting on their porch on a warm evening waving fans and trying to think that the coming night promised comfortable sleep.

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

From this reading The Ethels sat on the upper step, Roger was stretched on the floor at one side, Helen sat beside her mother's hammock which she kept in gentle motion by an occasional movement of her hand, and Dicky was dozing in a large chair.

which person or people

From this reading "There are people who talk about the law of compensation," smiled Mrs. Morton in the darkness.

a late time of life

From this reading "I do feel that Aunt Louise's being able to build this pretty house after all her years of wandering is about the nicest thing that ever happened out of a fairy story," murmured Helen softly to her mother, but loudly enough for the others to hear.