Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

causing a dull and steady pain

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

on foot; walking

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

plural of “bedroom” — a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

a flour mixture stiff enough to knead or roll

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

at any time

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

past form of “fare” — proceed or get along

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

join tongue and groove, in carpentry

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

start firing a weapon

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

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

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

conformity or harmony

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

-ing form of “knead” — make uniform

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

(used in the plural) a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

staying power

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

a female domestic

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

in a nice way

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

not one, and not any

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

on one occasion

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

support resembling the rib of an animal

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

in or at that place or location

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

a metallic tapping sound

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

up to a particular time

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

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

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading ROBIN COCKSCROFT Nothing ever was allowed to stop Mrs. Anerley from seeing to the bedrooms.

(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 Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

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

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.

during the time that

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Carroway heard the beginning of this noise, but none of it meddled at all with his comfort; he lay back nicely in a happy fit of chair, stretched his legs well upon a bench, and nodded, keeping slow time with the breathings of his pipe, and drawing a vapory dream of ease.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading Winnie, the maid, was as strong as a post, and wore them all out in bed-making.

a commercial leavening agent containing yeast cells; used to raise the dough in making bread and for fermenting beer or whiskey

From this reading She kept them airing for about three hours at this time of the sun-stitch--as she called all the doings of the sun upon the sky--and then there was pushing, and probing, and tossing, and pulling, and thumping, and kneading of knuckles, till the rib of every feather was aching; and then (like dough before the fire) every well-belabored tick was left to yeast itself a while.

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

From this reading He had fared many stony miles afoot that morning; and feet, legs, and body were now less young than they used to be once upon a time.