Chapter I

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading POPULAR READING AT POPULAR PRICES.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading ROBERTSON’S CHEAP SERIES.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

being or in accordance with current social fashions

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

a young female

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

sing with closed lips

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

past form of “intersperse” — place at intervals in or among

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

immediately past

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading MAGGIE LEE!

a Russian river in Siberia; flows northward into the Laptev Sea

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading MAGGIE LEE!

a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

naughtily or annoyingly playful

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “orphan” — a child who has lost both parents

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading POPULAR READING AT POPULAR PRICES.

the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

plural of “price” — the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading POPULAR READING AT POPULAR PRICES.

plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading POPULAR READING AT POPULAR PRICES.

in the recent past

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

possessive form of “robertson” — United States basketball guard (born in 1938)

From this reading ROBERTSON’S CHEAP SERIES.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

an educational institution

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

a private place of education for the young

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading ROBERTSON’S CHEAP SERIES.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

kept from public knowledge by various means

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

a violent commotion or disturbance

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading BAD SPELLING, DIAMONDS, THE ANSWERED PRAYER.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

laugh nervously

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

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

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Author of Lena Rivers—Tempest and Sunshine—Meadow Brook—English Orphans, etc. _COMPLETE._ The last notes of the bell which duly summoned to their tasks the pupils of Madame Duvant’s fashionable seminary had ceased, and in the school room, recently so silent, was heard the low hum of voices, interspersed occasionally with a suppressed titter from some girl more mischievous than her companions.