Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

later than; following

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

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

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

a steep high face of rock

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

past form of “coincide” — go with, fall together

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

past form of “consult” — get or ask advice from

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

in a serious manner

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

at any time

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

a quick look

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

plural of “goat” — any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

an opening into or through something

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

small finch originally of the western United States and Mexico

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

half woman and half fish; lives in the sea

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

plural of “mermaid” — half woman and half fish; lives in the sea

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

not any; not one

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

on one occasion

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

past form of “pant” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

by chance

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

past form of “race” — move hurridly

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

only a very short time before

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

plural of “see” — the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

not often

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading For some days they had been discussing the adventure--not, it scarcely needs to be said, in their parents' hearing.

not liable to stumble or fall

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

two times

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

precisely as stated

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

past form of “warn” — notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading LINNET SEES A MERMAID Annet, Linnet, and Matthew Henry sat together in a niche of the cliff to the west of Piper's Hole, and panted after their climb.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

at the time that

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

which person or people

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But they had once or twice consulted with Aunt Vazzy, who understood children, and had a sense (denied to most grown-ups) of what was really interesting; and to-day, at dinner-time, Aunt Vazzy had allowed that no time could well be more propitious than this evening, when the hours of twilight and of low water almost exactly coincided.

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

From this reading They had raced up the hill in the gathering twilight for this (their Aunt Vazzy had assured them) was the time, if ever, to hear the mermaids singing in Piper's Hole, and perhaps to catch a glimpse of them; this, and the hour of moonrise--which for them would be out of the question.

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

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading But in private she warned Annet very earnestly to look well after the two younger ones, and see to it that they did not risk their necks--a caution seldom given to Island children, who grow up sure-footed as young goats.