used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
anew
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
(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 managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
auntsnounUS /ænts/
plural of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
for the reason that
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
with bitterness; in a resentful manner
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
BrucenounUS /bruːs/
Australian physician and bacteriologist who described the bacterium that causes undulant fever or brucellosis (1855-1931)
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
caresnounUS /kerz/
plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
clungverbUS /klʌŋ/
inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
coldnessnounUS /ˈkoʊldnəs/
the sensation produced by low temperatures
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
having made preparations
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
fatherlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːðərləs/
having no living father
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/
marked by or showing hopelessness
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
HoodnounUS /hʊd/
an aggressive and violent young criminal
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
immediately past
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
go away from a place
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
the act of departing
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
McDougal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
the force of workers available
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
a particular point in time
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
moodsnounUS /muːdz/
plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
motherlessadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərlɪs/
having no living or known mother
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
orphansnounUS /ˈɔːrfənz/
plural of “orphan” — a child who has lost both parents
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
petnounUS /pet/
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
pettingnounUS /ˈpetɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
not often
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
in the near future
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
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 She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
plural of “tale” — 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 She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
treatmentnounUS /ˈtriːtmənt/
care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
unclesnounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
plural of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
varyingadjectiveUS /ˈveriɪŋ/
marked by diversity or difference
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
WallacenounUS /ˈwɔːləs/
Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
wearyingadjectiveUS /ˈwiːriɪŋ/
producing exhaustion
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
showing sorrow
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
at the time that
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
which person or people
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading They clung to her until the last moment, and she had to tear herself away leaving the whole four weeping bitterly.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading But all too soon came the day when she must leave Philadelphia and go to the husband who was wearying for his good wife; a sad, sad day to the poor little fatherless and motherless children!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Things went pretty smoothly with the little orphans while their friend Mrs. McDougal stayed.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She managed to keep the peace between them and their cousins by soothing and petting her young charges and interesting all the occupants of the nursery with her fairy tales, her stories of Wallace, the Bruce, and Robin Hood and his merry men.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading Their uncles were kind, but because of business cares seldom seen; the aunts took little notice of the young strangers, each being absorbed in her usual round of occupation, while the treatment of the cousins, older and younger, varied with their varying moods—sometimes they were kind, disposed to pet and humor their forlorn little relatives, and again—without any apparent reason for a change—treated them with coldness and indifference.
