Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

capable of being borne though unpleasant

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

plural of “black” — the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

give a description of

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading The other side of the things is therefore now evenly dirtied or dusted.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

remove the dust from

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading The other side of the things is therefore now evenly dirtied or dusted.

a windstorm that lifts up clouds of dust or sand

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

-ing form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

in equal amounts or shares; in a balanced or impartial way

From this reading The other side of the things is therefore now evenly dirtied or dusted.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

genus of tropical African herbs or subshrubs with usually blue flowers

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

a movable airfoil that is part of an aircraft wing; used to increase lift or drag

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

a city in central Italy on the Arno; provincial capital of Tuscany; center of the Italian Renaissance from 14th to 16th centuries

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

a female domestic

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

a quick and penetrating intelligence

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

inflected form of “lie” — be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

engage in

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The other side of the things is therefore now evenly dirtied or dusted.

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

in other respects or ways

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading The other side of the things is therefore now evenly dirtied or dusted.

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

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

plural of “sofa” — an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

a special situation

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

incapable of being tolerated or endured

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

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

From this reading The housemaid then flaps everything or some things not out of her reach with a thing called a duster—the dust flies up, then resettles more equally than it lay before the operation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

a vivid mental image

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

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

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Here, for instance, is her account of the customary dusting of a room in those days (is it always nowadays so entirely different as might be wished?):— “Having witnessed the morning process called ‘tidying the room’ for many years, and with ever-increasing astonishment, I can describe what it is.

produce a literary work

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

a late time of life

From this reading _Years of preparation._ Florence Nightingale, like Felicia Skene, had that saving gift of humour which at times may make bearable an otherwise unbearable keenness of vision.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading From the chairs, tables, or sofa, upon which ‘things’ have lain during the night, and which are therefore comparatively clean from dust or blacks, the poor ‘things’ having ‘caught it,’ they are removed to other chairs, tables, sofas, upon which you could write your name with your finger in the dust or blacks.