Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

wood of any of various alder trees; resistant to underwater rot; used for bridges etc

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

Having no one else present.

From this reading She was alone.

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

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

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

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

planned and made or fashioned artistically

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

covered with water

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

made or produced in the home or by yourself

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

a narrow way or road

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

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

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

in a listless manner

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in motion

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

and nothing more

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

a tree with limbs cut back to promote a more bushy growth of foliage

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

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

From this reading She was alone.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

plural of “skate” — sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

successive (without a break)

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

inflected form of “strap” — tie with a strap

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

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

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in the direction of

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

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

From this reading She was alone.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

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

From this reading But where Hetty waited the banks were higher, and the red ball on the horizon sent a level shaft down the lane between them.

in or at the place that

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

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

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

which person or people

From this reading She had strapped on a pair of skates--clumsy homemade things, and a birthday present from Johnny Whitelamb, who had fashioned them with pains, the Epworth blacksmith helping.

any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

a mill that is powered by the wind

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

characteristic of or occurring in winter

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The frozen canal ran straight towards the sunset, into a flooded country where only a line of pollard willows, with here and there an alder, marked the course of its left bank.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Indeed, the only living creature within sight was a red-breast, hunched into a ball and watching her from a wintry willow bough; the only moving object a windmill half a mile away across the level, turning its sails against the steel-gray sky--so listlessly, they seemed to be numbed.