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 To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

in an alternating sequence or position

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

a period of 100 years

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

a female human offspring

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

plural of “infirmity” — the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

possessive form of “joyce” — influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

any of certain cathedrals and large churches; originally connected to a monastery

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

and nothing more

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

one of four equal parts

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

coming next after the fifteenth in position

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

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

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

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

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

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

From this reading To Edith Louvaine, a visit to the Hill House was in a sense coming home, for its owner, her father's cousin, Joyce Morrell, had been to her almost a second mother.

possessive form of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

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

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

at the time that

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

which person or people

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Her feeling, therefore, was much like that of a daughter of the house introducing her relatives to her own home; for Lady Louvaine was the only other of the party to whom the Hill House had been familiar in old times.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading When people paid distant visits in the sixteenth century, it was not for a week's stay, but for half a year, or at least a quarter.

a reference book that is published regularly once every year

From this reading But Edith, who was Aunt Joyce's special favourite, had paid now and then a visit between-times; and when, as years and infirmities increased, the meetings were obliged to cease for the elders, Edith's yearly stay of three or four months with the old and lonely cousin had become an institution instead of them.

a late time of life

From this reading During many years it had been the custom that visits of this length should be exchanged between Selwick Hall and the Hill House at Minster Lovel alternately, at the close of every two years.