Chapter XXIII

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

From this reading A MONTH OF WONDERS.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

in addition

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

forbid the public distribution of ( a movie or a newspaper)

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

completely unclothed

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

the act of burning something

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

not characterized by emotion

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

fixed or established especially by order or command

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

plural of “frost” — ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

destroyed or killed

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

possessive form of “helen” — (Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

immediately past

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading A MONTH OF WONDERS.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

superlative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A MONTH OF WONDERS.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the possibility of future success

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

express in words

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the season of growth

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading But it was the nicest, "sweetest, darlingest room in the house in spring and summer and autumn," said Sarah; and this one was to be Helen's room—so Sarah had decreed.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

in a tasty manner

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

unaccustomed or unusual

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

under normal conditions

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS had come and was gone; it had been gone a month or more, and there had been an unwonted bustle in Tincroft House.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

in or at the place that

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

a Caucasian

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

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

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

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 The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The best rooms, usually shut up, had been duly put in order, and for a whole week, fires had been kept burning in them—that is to say, in the great or state parlour facing the south, on the first floor, and the chamber adjoining; and also in another pretty room on the same floor, that had a verandah in front of the French windows which opened upon it.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

characteristic of or occurring in winter

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The prospect from this window was chilly enough now, certainly; for the distant plantation on which it looked was bare of foliage, and the meadows which intervened were brown with wintry frosts where they were not white with the contains of the last snowfall; and the tastily laid-out flower garden beneath the window, with which John had taken such pains—for he was fond of flowers—was, like everything else, under the ban of winter.

plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading A MONTH OF WONDERS.