Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

later than; following

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading OLD PARLOR MADE BEAUTIFUL (MODERNIZED).

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

rid of obstructions

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

slightly wet

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

past form of “envelop” — enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

apart from; not including

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

resembling or characteristic of a phantom

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

depressingly dark

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

having inhabitants; lived in

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading OLD PARLOR MADE BEAUTIFUL (MODERNIZED).

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

brought up to date

From this reading OLD PARLOR MADE BEAUTIFUL (MODERNIZED).

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

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

From this reading OLD PARLOR MADE BEAUTIFUL (MODERNIZED).

out of fashion

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading OLD PARLOR MADE BEAUTIFUL (MODERNIZED).

pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

plural of “presence” — the state of being present; current existence

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

with little or no delay

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

not often

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading She confessed to Mary she always felt as if John's dead-and-gone ancestors' ghostly presences inhabited the silent room.

the season of growth

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

the rays of the sun

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

possessing sweep

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

a periodical that is published every week (or 52 issues per year)

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

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

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

at the time that

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

in or at the place that

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.

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

From this reading "Aunt Sarah," on coming to the farm to live, had given a personal touch and cheery, homelike look to every room in the house, with one exception, the large, gloomy, old-fashioned parlor, which was cold, cheerless and damp.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The windows were seldom opened to allow a ray of sunlight to penetrate the dusk with which the room was always enveloped, except when the regular weekly sweeping day arrived; when, after being carefully swept and dusted, it was promptly closed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When John Landis came into possession of "Clear Spring" Farm, where his mother had lived during her lifetime, she having inherited it from her father, the rooms of the old farm house were filled with quaint, old-fashioned furniture of every description.