Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

anew

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

an informal term for a British policeman

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

comparative of “brown” — of a color similar to that of wood or earth

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

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

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.

rid of obstructions

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

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

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

put an end to; kill

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

disgustingly dirty; filled or smeared with offensive matter

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

start firing a weapon

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

in a gradual manner

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

be a hindrance or obstacle to

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

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

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

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

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

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

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

make a break in

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

and nothing more

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

in a lofty manner

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

changed from a solid to a liquid state

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

preside over

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

plural of “ounce” — a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a troy pound

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

above and across; more than

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

make a sweeping movement

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

-ing form of “preserve” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

plural of “retort” — a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

express in words

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

in the near future

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading I hate brown sugar--filthy stuff!" says Bobby, contradictiously.

a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

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

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

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

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading "Put into a small preserving pan three ounces of fresh butter, and, as soon as it is just melted, add one pound of brown sugar of moderate quality--" "Not moderate; the browner the better," interpolates Algy.

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

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

up to a particular time

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

precisely as stated

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

a Caucasian

From this reading "Not half so _filthy_ as white, if you come to that," retorts Algy, loftily, looking up from the lemon he is grating to extinguish his brother.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "They clear white sugar with but--" "Keep these stirred gently over a clear fire for about fifteen minutes," interrupt I, beginning to read again very fast, in a loud, dull recitative, to hinder further argument, "or until a little of the mixture dipped into cold water breaks clear between the teeth without sticking to them.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Cannot say I agree with you.