Chapter XII

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

the state of being absent

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

in a busy manner

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

a social unit living together

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

brought together in one place

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

plural of “parcel” — a wrapped container

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

To recall to mind.

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

too much to be measured

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

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

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

at the time that

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

during the time that

From this reading _JOHN'S PROMISE._ Thus the few days before Christmas passed busily on, while Agnes began to feel less anxiety as to her charge during their parents' absence.

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

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.

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

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The nearness of her grandmother and aunt were an untold comfort, but her mother had said to her before she left, "Do not run in to them with every little tittle-tattle, but remember there is a nearer Friend always close.

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading On Christmas-eve, while John, Hugh, and Alice were making and putting up the ivy and holly wreaths, Agnes and Minnie set forth on their errand of carrying the Christmas parcels to the poor people for whom they had prepared them; and when they came in, wet and cold, the others gathered round to know what they had done, and how the parcels had been received.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Should any great emergency arise, be thankful that He has so placed you that you can ask advice of them."

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The whole family, according to the usual custom, were to spend Christmas-day at Mrs. Headley's, next door, to which pleasure the young people looked forward in their different ways.