Chapter II

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

how long something has existed

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

in the past

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

disposed to please

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a youthful male person

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

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

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

engage in

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

intermediate in size

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

on one occasion

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

and nothing more

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

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

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

express in words

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

express in speech

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

confined on all sides

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

express in words

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

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

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

precisely as stated

From this reading To tell the truth, however, it was only a moderate-sized house; but it was kept in excellent order, although a very old building.

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

From this reading The house of which I speak was called a chateau—that is, a castle—by the peasants of the neighbourhood.

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

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

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

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

which person or people

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A NICE LITTLE BOY, AND A PRETTY WOODEN HORSE.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading In spite of its age, therefore, it wore a smiling aspect, like the faces of those amiable and good grandmammas, who smile at your pretty ways, my children.

a late time of life

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

but in spite of that

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading There stood once, in the good old time—that is to say some fifteen years ago, which we may call ages for you, my little readers, who have not yet lost your pretty first teeth;—there stood, then, once, in a delightful valley, between Long-Pont and Savigny, in France, a charming country house, surrounded by a wood, which spread along the bank of a little winding river.