Chapter I

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

a fully developed person from maturity onward

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

a cricketer who delivers the ball to the batsman in cricket

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

the yard associated with a church

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

intentionally conceived

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

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

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

at any time

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

plural of “exemplar” — something to be imitated

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

without a flaw

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

anything that provides inspiration for later work

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

plural of “le” — a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

come together

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

a form of address for a man

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

not one, and not any

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

possessive form of “paul” — United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

the act or process of producing something

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

with speed

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

plural of “robin” — small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

in a spontaneous manner

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

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

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

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

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

third-person singular of “transcend” — be greater in scope or size than some standard

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

recorded for broadcast

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

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

From this reading This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

which person or people

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

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

From this reading The germ of the _Original Stories_ was, I imagine, a suggestion (in the manner of publishers) from Mary Wollstonecraft’s employer, Johnson of St. Paul’s Churchyard, that something more or less in the manner of Mrs. Trimmer’s _History of the Robins_, the great nursery success of 1786, might be a profitable speculation.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

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

From this reading For I doubt if the production of a book for children would ever have occurred spontaneously to an author so much more interested in the status of women and other adult matters.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading None of these exemplars could do wrong; but the Mrs. Mason whom we meet in the following pages far transcends the others in conscious merit.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading However, the idea being given her, she quickly wrote the book—in 1787 or 1788—carrying out in it to a far higher power, in Mrs. Mason, the self-confidence and rectitude of Mrs. Trimmer’s leading lady, Mrs. Benson, who in her turn had been preceded by that other flawless instructor of youth, Mr. Barlow.