Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

later than; following

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

(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 It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

plural of “bath” — a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

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

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

limp and soiled as if dragged in the mud

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

past form of “fetch” — go or come after and bring or take back

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

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

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

and nothing more

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

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

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

above and across; more than

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

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

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

precisely as stated

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading But after a while they tired of this, too, and walked up the pasture to see the Brook.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

at the time that

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

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

From this reading It was all very jolly, and I don't know which the children enjoyed more, throwing the sticks or the nice cool showers.

during the time that

From this reading For a little while the boys threw sticks in the water.

a Caucasian

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

which person or people

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.

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

From this reading When the dogs had fetched the sticks they would shake the water from their coats and over the boys, just like shower baths.

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

From this reading They couldn't get quite as near it as usual, for the edge was almost at the Ducks' house now, and not so very far from the house of the White Wyandottes, who seemed to think the end of the world had come, and looked very sad with their draggled feathers.