Chapter I

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

for the reason that

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

a young person of either sex

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a social unit living together

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

destroyed or killed

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

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

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

a room where books are kept

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

joined in matrimony

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

absolutely essential

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a brief written record

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

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

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

and nothing more

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

by chance

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

a state of acute pain

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

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

From this reading _First Published_ 1909 _The Caravan Library_ 1930 Jimbo's governess ought to have known better--but she didn't.

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

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Thus, in a roundabout sort of way, the child ought to have been thankful to the governess; and perhaps, in a roundabout sort of way, he was.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

which person or people

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

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

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But that comes at the far end of the story, and is doubtful at best; and in the meanwhile the child had gone through his suffering, and the governess had in some measure expiated her fault; so that at this stage it is only necessary to note that the whole business began because the Empty House happened to be really an Empty House--not the one Jimbo's family lived in, but another of which more will be known in due course.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If she had, Jimbo would never have met with the adventures that subsequently came to him.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Jimbo's father was a retired Colonel, who had married late in life, and now lived all the year round in the country; and Jimbo was the youngest child but one.