Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

(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 Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

plural of “cedar” — any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

prepare a hot meal

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

without deviation

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

the act of departing

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

coins made of gold

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

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

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

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

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

United States diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with Britain and served as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1829)

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

garments that must be repaired

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

out of fashion

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

located, suited for, or taking place in the open air

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

above and across; more than

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

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

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

having a supporting base

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

that is on a string

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

plural of “tableau” — a group of people attractively arranged (as if in a painting)

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

carry out

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

the act of tying or binding things together

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading Something unusual was going on at Rosehaven.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading John Jay had orders to take the eggs directly to the cook, but his curiosity kept him standing open-mouthed on the lawn, watching the hanging of the lanterns.

be dressed in

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

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

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

in or at the place that

From this reading Awnings were spread over the lawn, gay colored lanterns were strung all about the grounds, and a stage for outdoor tableaux had been built near the house, where a dark clump of cedars served as a background.

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

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

a Caucasian

From this reading A group of pretty girls sat on the porch steps, between the white rose-twined pillars.

hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One of them was tying up the cue of an old-fashioned wig with a black ribbon; another was mending the gold lace on a velvet coat, and the others were busy with the various costumes which they were to wear in the tableaux.