Chapter IV

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

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

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

third-person singular of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

being one more than seven

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE TERRIBLE FIRE.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

property that is leased or rented out or let

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

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

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

according to the clock

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

and nothing more

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

with low volume

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

plural of “rage” — a feeling of intense anger

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

raise the level or amount of something

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

a momentary flash of light

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading THE TERRIBLE FIRE.

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

From this reading THE TERRIBLE FIRE.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

up to a particular time

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

hard to endure

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

precisely as stated

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

in a violent manner

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

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

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What can be the matter!" cried Laura, turning round and listening, while Harry quietly took this opportunity to shake the walls of her castle till it fell.

at the time that

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

in or at the place that

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

in or to any place at all

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

during the time that

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

which person or people

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

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

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Fire rages with fury wherever it comes, If only one spark should be dropped; Whole houses, or cities, sometimes it consumes, Where its violence cannot be stopped.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading One night, about eight o'clock, Harry and Laura were playing in the nursery, building houses with bricks, and trying who could raise the highest tower without letting it fall, when suddenly they were startled to hear every bell in the house ringing violently, while the servants seemed running up and down stairs, as if they were distracted.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "The very house is coming down about your ears, Laura!" said Harry, enjoying his little bit of mischief.