used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
anew
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
(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 As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
arraynounUS /ərˈeɪ/
an orderly arrangement
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
Dennehy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
disputeverbUS /dɪsˈpjuːt/
take exception to
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
doubtsnounUS /daʊts/
plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
divisible by two
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
at any time
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
the act of giving
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
havennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
not accessible to view
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
holidaysnounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪz/
plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
hollynounUS /ˈhɑːli/
any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
and nothing more
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
mistletoenounUS /ˈmɪsəltoʊ/
American plants closely resembling Old World mistletoe
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
morrownounUS /ˈmɑːroʊ/
the next day
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
an old word for “no”
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
observancesnounUS /əbˈzɜːrvənsɪz/
plural of “observance” — the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
and nothing more
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
PATCHnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
regainedverbUS /riˈɡeɪnd/
past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
restfuladjectiveUS /ˈrestfəl/
affording physical or mental rest
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
restrainingverbUS /riˈstreɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “restrain” — to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
scepticaladjective
marked by or given to doubt
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
SHAYLOR'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
snapdragonnounUS /ˈsnæpdræɡən/
a garden plant of the genus Antirrhinum having showy white or yellow or crimson flowers resembling the face of a dragon
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
survivedverbUS /sərˈvaɪvd/
past form of “survive” — continue to live and avoid dying
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As they had preceded the Faith, so the old observances survived all doubts about it.
propel through the air
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
up to a particular time
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It seemed as restful and peaceful as ever, nay, even to an unusual degree, for the only other guest was Dennehy, and Dennehy and Alice (again home for holidays) exercised some restraining force on sceptical argument.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
Winnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTMAS AT SHAYLOR'S PATCH On Christmas Eve Winnie had regained her old haven at Shaylor's Patch.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
but in spite of that
From this reading Here, too, were holly and mistletoe; and, if not a snapdragon, yet a Christmas tree and a fine array of presents, carefully hidden till the morrow.
zestnounUS /zest/
vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
From this reading Both father and mother were intent on giving the child 'a good time,' and Stephen at least could throw himself into a game with just as much zest as into a dispute or a speculation.
