Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

(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 The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

plural of “bang” — a vigorous blow

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

ornamented in a vulgar or showy fashion

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

a blemish made by dirt

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

filled to capacity

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

any of numerous composite plants having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in a single whorl

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

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

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

well in the past; former

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

past form of “escort” — accompany as an escort

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

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

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

grow vigorously

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

having the pinkish flush of health

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the act of departing

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

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

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

of great significance or value

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

plural of “laggard” — someone who takes more time than necessary; someone who lags behind

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

immediately past

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

plural of “like” — a similar kind

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

your grandmother

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

according to the clock

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

above and across; more than

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

past form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

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

From this reading Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in her hand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightful secret.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the rays of the sun

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines made pretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window.

up to a particular time

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

in the direction of

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

precisely as stated

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

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

From this reading Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed with ink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry as usual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute.

the act of signaling by a movement of the hand

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

the fourth day of the week; the third working day

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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 As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blot and flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry as he went.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.

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

From this reading “Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to be punctual, you know,” said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper in their hands were seen going toward the museum.