Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

constructed with or in the form of an arch or arches

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

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

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

A soft white limestone used for marking doors, stone walls, and slate.

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

the property possessed by a convex shape

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

-ing form of “decay” — lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

lacking distinguishing characteristics or features

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

set up or found

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

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

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

comparative of “grand” — of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

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

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

a high place

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

not easily destroyed

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

above and across; more than

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

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

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

plural of “protuberance” — something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

superlative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

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

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

with no problems or difficulties

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

the rays of the sun

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

possessive form of “thomas” — United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

untroubled by interference or disturbance

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

the topmost one of two

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

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

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

at the time that

From this reading It was a featureless convexity of chalk and soil—an ordinary specimen of those smoothly outlined protuberances of the globe which may remain undisturbed on some great day of confusion, when far grander heights and dizzy granite precipices topple down.

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

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

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

From this reading Norcombe Hill—forming part of Norcombe Ewelease—was one of the spots which suggest to a passer-by that he is in the presence of a shape approaching the indestructible as nearly as any to be found on earth.

belonging to which person

From this reading The hill was covered on its northern side by an ancient and decaying plantation of beeches, whose upper verge formed a line over the crest, fringing its arched curve against the sky, like a mane.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading NIGHT—THE FLOCK—AN INTERIOR—ANOTHER INTERIOR It was nearly midnight on the eve of St. Thomas’s, the shortest day in the year.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading A desolating wind wandered from the north over the hill whereon Oak had watched the yellow waggon and its occupant in the sunshine of a few days earlier.