used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
anew
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
BaltimorenounUS /ˈbɔːltəmɔːr/
the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
a youthful male person
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
ButlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
CHAPERONnoun
one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
CHOOSINGverbUS /ˈtʃuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
chumsnounUS /tʃʌmz/
plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
dependedverbUS /dɪˈpendəd/
past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
disapprovedverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvd/
past form of “disapprove” — consider bad or wrong
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
death of a person
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
houseboatnounUS /ˈhaʊsboʊt/
a barge that is designed and equipped for use as a dwelling
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
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 One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
the literary culture
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
a room where books are kept
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
Louisa's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
Madge's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
matter-of-factadjective
not fanciful or imaginative
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
MortonnounUS /ˈmɔːrtən/
United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
used to form the superlative
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
a form of address for a man
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
niece'snounUS /ˈniːsɪz/
possessive form of “niece” — a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
not any; not one
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
post-bag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
an educational institution
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
spendingnounUS /ˈspendɪŋ/
the act of spending or disbursing money
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
under normal conditions
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She had two letters in her hand, which she intended putting into the school post-bag, that was always kept in the library.
which person or people
From this reading Madge's second letter was directed to a boy cousin, who was at college in Baltimore.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CHOOSING A CHAPERON Madge Morton walked into the school library with a grave expression on her usually laughing face.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If they disapproved, Madge was certain that she could never be happy again, for there was no other possible way of spending Cousin Louisa's gift that would give her any pleasure.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading One of the letters she had written to her uncle and aunt, explaining her houseboat scheme in the most sensible and matter-of-fact fashion; for Madge knew that the fate of the four chums depended, first, on what Mr. and Mrs. Butler thought of their niece's idea.
