Chapter I

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

later than; following

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

in the past

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

(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 When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

third-person singular of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

the shedding of blood resulting in murder

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

fearless and daring

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

a youthful male person

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

United States reformer who led moral crusades against art and literature that he considered obscene (1844-1915)

From this reading HARRIET T. COMSTOCK.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

wet with dew

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

someone who plays a drum

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

past form of “glisten” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading HARRIET T. COMSTOCK.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

the main good female character in a work of fiction

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

a fictitious detective in stories by A. Conan Doyle

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

plural of “illustration” — artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

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

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

plural of “italic” — a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

the item at the end

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

become covered with mist

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

popular aquarium fish

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

throughout a period of time

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

not divisible by two

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

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

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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 When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

express in words

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

having shoulders or shoulders as specified; usually used as a combining form

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the state of being asleep

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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 But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading HARRIET T. COMSTOCK.

the words of something written

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

an acknowledgment of appreciation

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

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

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

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

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

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

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

plural of “underscore” — a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)

From this reading Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading But before you can understand, you will have to read my story.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

accept gladly

From this reading From the past I lead you forth, oh! hero of long ago, and present you to the hero and heroine lovers of to-day, feeling sure that a warm welcome awaits you.

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

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

at the time that

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

during the time that

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

which person or people

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.

having won

From this reading When you have finished I feel quite sure that you will do what I did after reading the bit of old history; give a hearty thought of thanks to the brave drummer, who, during the war of the Revolution, passed like a gleam of brightness, fun—and alas! sadness through the scenes of war and bloodshed; winning the friendship of all, the esteem and consideration of General Washington himself, and lastly a page or so in history.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Original Half-Tone Illustrations by Curtis Wager-Smith Slowly the mist o’er the meadow was creeping, Bright on the dewy buds glistened the sun, When from his couch, while his children were sleeping, Rose the bold rebel and shouldered his gun.—_Holmes._ Molly was an odd name for a boy, you will say, especially for a soldier boy, and a brave one at that.