Chapter XXI

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

matters of personal concern

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

(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 In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

being joined in close association

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a youthful male person

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

past form of “confide” — reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

joyful enthusiasm

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

usually; as a rule

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

cause to arise

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

(Old Testament) the second patriarch; son of Abraham and Sarah who was offered by Abraham as a sacrifice to God; father of Jacob and Esau

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

having the nature of or resulting from malice

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

the force of workers available

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

not any; not one

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

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

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

plural of “prank” — acting like a clown or buffoon

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

continue talking

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

-ing form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

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

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

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 It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

carry out

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a vagrant

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

expressed without speech

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

based on custom rather than documentation

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.

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

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

precisely as stated

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading In the next place, he was never known to divulge a secret, and was the depositary of half the love affairs of the young people in the neighborhood; indeed, the boys often confided to him their intended pranks.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading WHY THE BOYS LIKED UNCLE ISAAC.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

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

From this reading If mere fun was the object of them, he permitted them to take their course, but, if they were of a malicious nature, would induce them to give them up, by proposing something else,--generally a tramp with him in the woods, or on the water, the seductions of which no boy was able to resist.

but in spite of that

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

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

From this reading It has been very evident, during the progress of this story, that the young men were very much attached to Uncle Isaac; yet the boys were not a whit the less so; the reasons of which will appear as we proceed.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading In the first place, he retained in his feelings all the freshness and exuberance of his youth; they knew that he liked them; and it is strange how this unwritten, unspoken language of the heart is generally felt and understood.