Chapter II

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

later than; following

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

closely shaved recently

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

dearly loved

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

having lost your job

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

genus of tropical African herbs or subshrubs with usually blue flowers

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

the color of freshly broken cast iron

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

set down according to a plan

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

immediately past

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

above and across; more than

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

past form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

without delay; in a summary manner

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading The former had thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and was now dawdling over the drinking of his second cup of tea.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

on a floor above

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

precisely as stated

From this reading "Dear me, dear me," responded Mr. M'Cosh, "that's sad—very."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Husband and wife were seated at the supper table.

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

lean and sinewy

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was a small, wiry man—a mason by trade—with a mild, clean-shaven face, thin, iron-gray hair, and a pair of light blue eyes.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."

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

From this reading Mrs. M'Cosh Goes Upstairs "I AM afraid that poor woman up in the attic is in a bad state," remarked Mrs. M'Cosh to her husband half-an-hour after she had so summarily dismissed Felicia; "I've not seen her for weeks, but the last time I met her on the stairs I was struck by her appearance, she looked as though a breath of wind would have blown her away, and now she's laid up altogether."