Chapter VI · “The End of the Play”

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

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

in an alarming manner

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

behind schedule

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

see with attention

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

past form of “clamber” — climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

-ing form of “coast” — move effortlessly; by force of gravity

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

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

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

planned and made or fashioned artistically

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

dazzlingly beautiful

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

only a very short time before

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

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

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

the side or slope of a hill

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

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

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

plural of “housekeeper” — a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading The costumes of the hoys were gorgeous to behold, and were fashioned entirely by the girls' clever fingers.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

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

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

set afire or burning

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

inflected form of “outshine” — shine brighter than

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

above and across; more than

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

a performance using gestures and body movements without words

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

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

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

the sport of gliding on skates

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

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

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The day's hours were hardly enough for the day's plans, for there were farewell coasting, skating, and sleighing parties, besides active daily preparations for the pantomime.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

the gymnastic moves of an acrobat

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

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

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

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

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

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

From this reading |ON the next morning, and, indeed, on all of those left of their stay, the six housekeepers were up at an alarmingly early hour, so that the sun, accustomed to being the earliest of all risers, felt himself quite behindhand and outshone.

fully awake

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In vain he clambered up over the hillside in a desperate hurry; the girls were always before him with lighted candles.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading As for the clock, it held up its hands with astonishment, and struck five shrill exclamation points of surprise to see six wide-awake young persons tumbling out of their warm nests before the world was lighted or heated.