Chapter XXV · Thistles or Grapes?

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

any specific behavior

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

later than; following

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

(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 The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

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

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

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

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

past form of “arrest” — take into custody

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

-ing form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

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

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

and nothing more

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

temporary living quarters

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

and nothing more

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

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

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

above and across; more than

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

a man who delivers the mail

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

a woman postmaster

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

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

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

with speed

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

refrain from harming

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

in or at that place or location

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

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

From this reading “Are there any lodgings to let in Darentdale?”

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading “Too late?” he asked; and she replied “Too late!” and was about to go in and close the door, when his other question arrested her.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

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

From this reading The village post-office closed early; and the postman had just called, in his curious red cart, drawn by a gaunt horse that was celebrated for getting over the ground quickly, and, having received the bag, was hastening away to the nearest town.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Now, it happened that Mrs. Orley had been thinking only that afternoon how well she could spare her best parlour and the bedroom over it, if by doing so she could earn an honest pound or two.

at the time that

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

which person or people

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The postmistress, an active woman who, having a paralysed husband, needed all her activity, had come to the door to look after him, when a stranger arrived with a letter.