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 It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

(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 a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

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

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

inflected form of “bear” — have

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

a youthful male person

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

a small house with a single story

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

every day; without missing a day

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

moving toward the east

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

divisible by two

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

apart from; not including

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

the organ of sight

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a social unit living together

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

possessive form of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

goods carried by a large vehicle

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a social unit living together

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

sing with closed lips

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

plural of “hundred” — ten 10s

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

in an idle manner

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

conformity or harmony

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

the force of workers available

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

not any; not one

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

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

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

and nothing more

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

something having the property of being analogous to something else

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

plural of “prairie” — a treeless grassy plain

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

-ing form of “romp” — play boisterously

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

marked by absence of sound

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

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

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

plural of “tangent” — a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

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

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

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

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

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

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

unbearable physical pain

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

plural of “train” — public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

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

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

during the time that

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading For two miles along a number of parallel tracks were idly resting now by hundreds the grimy freight cars of a dozen lines, while the gleaming steel rails on the "through" tracks, kept cleared from end to end, were as silent, as deserted, as the long tangents over the boundless prairies miles to west and south, for, except on the mail trains, over the whole system since the stroke of five that afternoon not a wheel was turning.

belonging to which person

From this reading Five railway companies rolled their trains in and out of the thronging, far-spreading metropolis to the eastward--the great city whose hum and murmur were borne to them on the soft breeze sweeping inland from the cool blue bosom of the lake.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading It was a placid homelike group; father deep in the daily paper and his easy-chair, mother absorbed in chat with the girls even while keeping watchful eye on "the baby," the family's pet, pride, and torment by turns, and the two elder sons sitting on the edge of the porch, talking in low tone of an event that had called for no little discussion all over the neighborhood--the strike of the switchmen in the great freight yards only a block away.

a late time of life

From this reading Never before in all their seven years of residence in this homelike little frame cottage had the Wallace household known such utter silence at "the yards."

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

From this reading It was a warm June evening, and the family was taking the air on the back porch--father and mother, two stalwart young men, the elder sons, two slender girls, and a romping boy of nine--the little Benjamin of the tribe.