Chapter XI

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

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

(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 Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

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

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

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

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

any of numerous low-growing plants of the genus Crocus having slender grasslike leaves and white or yellow or purple flowers; native chiefly to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

slightly wet

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

so badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

past form of “frisk” — play boisterously

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

ten 10s

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

one of the major dialects of Old English

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

plural of “lamb” — young sheep

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

having no leaves

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the act of prolonging something

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

lacking zest or vivacity

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

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 The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

wetness caused by water

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

plural of “primrose” — any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

a small hard fruit

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

plural of “shackle” — a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

the season of growth

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

in a strange manner

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

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

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading Throughout nature the seed is germinating and the pulse of all things throbs.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

precisely as stated

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

plural of “violet” — any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading And so the Craddocks began their journey along the great road nowhither which is called the Road of Holy Matrimony.

a Caucasian

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The spring came, and with it a hundred new delights; Bertha watched the lengthening days, the coloured crocus spring from the ground, the snowbells; the warm damp days of February brought the primroses and then the violets.

possessive form of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading February is a month of languors; the world’s heart is heavy, listless of the unrest of April and the vigorous life of May.

moving in a twisting or snake-like or wormlike fashion

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.

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

From this reading The sea mists arose from the North Sea, and covered the Kentish land with a veil of moisture, white and almost transparent, so that through it the leafless trees were seen strangely distorted, their branches like long arms writhing to free themselves from the shackles of winter; the grass was very green in the marshes, and the young lambs frisked and gambolled, bleating to their mothers.