used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
react verbally
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading OBSERVING AT HAND.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
bobbingverbUS /ˈbɑːbɪŋ/
inflected form of “bob” — move up and down repeatedly
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
bustled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
calicoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
candiesnounUS /ˈkændiz/
plural of “candy” — a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
cottonsnounUS /ˈkɑːtənz/
plural of “cotton” — soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
having made preparations
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
draperynounUS /ˈdreɪpəri/
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
elbowingnounUS /ˈelboʊɪŋ/
jostling with the elbows
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
elegancenounUS /ˈeləɡəns/
a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
divisible by two
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
flannelsnounUS /ˈflænəlz/
plural of “flannel” — a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
forelocks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
brought together in one place
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
plural of “good” — benefit
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
grocerynounUS /ˈɡroʊsəri/
a marketplace where groceries are sold
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading OBSERVING AT HAND.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
the state of being honored
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
ladyshipnoun
a title used to address any peeress except a duchess
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
Letitia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
engage in
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
absolutely essential
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
not any; not one
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
OBSERVINGadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading OBSERVING AT HAND.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
a course of conduct
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
persuadedverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪd/
past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
pinsnounUS /pɪnz/
plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
a full supply
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
pushingnounUS /ˈpʊʃɪŋ/
the act of applying force in order to move something away
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
rainbownounUS /ˈreɪnboʊ/
an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
ribands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
rollsnounUS /roʊlz/
plural of “roll” — rotary motion of an object around its own axis
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
do one's shopping
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
signingnounUS /ˈsaɪnɪŋ/
language expressed by visible hand gestures
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
a person, without saying who
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
express in speech
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
stuffsnounUS /stʌfs/
plural of “stuff” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
Thérèse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
tribenounUS /traɪb/
a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
look attentively
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading There was plenty of bobbing from the girls, and pulling of forelocks from the boys; plenty of elbowing, and pushing, and signing, when it became necessary for somebody to speak in answer to her kind questions; but there was no inclination to make way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
at the time that
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
a Caucasian
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
White'snounUS /waɪts/
possessive form of “white” — a Caucasian
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
which person or people
From this reading The little things could not be persuaded to move off even when White, who was on the watch, bustled about to make a clear path for the lady.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Such tempting candies in the one window; such shining pins, such a rainbow box of cottons, such rolls of ribands, stuffs, calicoes, and flannels in the other!
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading A tribe of little children had gathered round Mrs. White’s windows before Letitia and Thérèse arrived at the shop; the reason of which was that the grocery and drapery goods were disposed in a new style of elegance, in honour of her ladyship.
