Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

possessing life

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

of an electrical signal; reduced in amplitude with little or no distortion

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

an old word for “between”

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

blowing in violent and abrupt bursts

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

the capacity to understand a broad range of topics

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

a young person of either sex

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

plural of “chord” — a straight line connecting two points on a curve

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

past form of “crackle” — make a crackling sound

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

(of hair) having curls or waves

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

inflected form of “dip” — immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

the sphere of work by women

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

gradually decreasing until little remains

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

even

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

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

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

plural of “fibre” — a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

a very slender natural or synthetic fiber

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

start firing a weapon

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

past form of “glow” — emit a steady even light without flames

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

bottle made from the dried shell of a bottle gourd

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

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

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

set down according to a plan

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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 "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

past form of “moisten” — make moist

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

above and across; more than

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

-ing form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

past form of “recoil” — draw back, as with fear or pain

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

Identical; not different.

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

moving as on a slippery surface

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

someone who spins (who twists fibers into threads)

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

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

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

two items of the same kind

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

in a hearty manner

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

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

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

during the time that

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

a Caucasian

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "First Fear his hand its skill to try, Amid the chords bewildered laid-- And back recoiled, he knew not why, E'en at the sound himself had made."--_Collins._ Little Helen sat in her long flannel night-dress, by the side of Miss Thusa, watching the rapid turning of her wheel, and the formation of the flaxen thread, as it glided out, a more and more attenuated filament, betwixt the dexterous fingers of the spinner.

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

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

past form of “wink” — signal by winking

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Helen was seated on a low stool, so near the wheel, that several times her short, curly hair mingled with the flax of the distaff, and came within a hair's breadth of being twisted into thread.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It was a blustering, windy night, and the window-panes rattled every now and then, as if the glass were about to shiver in twain, while the stars sparkled and winked coldly without, and the fire glowed warmly, and crackled within.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Helen, wrapped in yellow flannel from head to feet, with her little white face peeping above, looked not unlike a pearl in golden setting.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.

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

From this reading "Get a little farther off, child, or I'll spin you into a spider's web, as sure as you're alive," said Miss Thusa, dipping her fingers into the gourd, which hung at the side of the distaff, while at the same time she stooped down and moistened the fibres, by slipping them through her mouth, as it glided over the dwindling flax.