Chapter XVI

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

congenital absence of an arm or leg

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading "Half-past eleven, Daddy," announced Amelia cheerily.

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading "Half-past eleven, Daddy," announced Amelia cheerily.

a young person of either sex

From this reading "In the fender, my child," replied the voice.

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

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading "Half-past eleven, Daddy," announced Amelia cheerily.

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

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

being one more than ten

From this reading "Half-past eleven, Daddy," announced Amelia cheerily.

a social unit living together

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud

From this reading "In the fender, my child," replied the voice.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

in a grievous manner

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading "Half-past eleven, Daddy," announced Amelia cheerily.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

to a considerable degree

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "In the fender, my child," replied the voice.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

plural of “panel” — sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

possessive form of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "In the fender, my child," replied the voice.

United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

make square

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

past form of “tack” — fasten with tacks

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

pot for brewing tea; usually has a spout and handle

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

a long narrow sled without runners; boards curve upward in front

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

in an unsteady manner

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading "Don’t come in!" said a muffled voice.

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

From this reading AN IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY Amelia Welwyn, grievously overweighted by a tray containing her father’s breakfast, tacked unsteadily across the floor of the drawing-room at Russell Square; and, having reached the door of her parent’s bedroom, proceeded to arouse the attention of its occupant by permitting the teapot to toboggan heavily into one of the panels.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Your breakfast!"