Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

(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 It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

confidently declared to be so

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

third-person singular of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

(astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

any system of principles or beliefs

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

one or the other of two

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

opinion or judgment

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

usually; as a rule

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading GERALD.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

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

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

not formal

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

close or warm friendship

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

a narrow way or road

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

in a manner acceptable to common custom

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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 Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

glove that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

not any; not one

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

and nothing more

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

more readily or willingly

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

restricted to something

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

a person who is being chased

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

precisely, exactly

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

only a very short time before

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

with speed

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

a special situation

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

of worldwide scope or applicability

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

not reasonable; not showing good judgment

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was only in the case of Phebe Lane that this universal and common-sense rule had its one particular and unreasonable exception; and it was acting upon a speedily acquired knowledge of this by-law, that Mr. Halloway boldly pursued his plan for metamorphosing his young friend, right under the open eyes and ears of the Joppites.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

at the time that

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He lived so near that it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stop for a moment's chat, as every one else did, either inside or outside of the window as he went by; and as he was always sure of meeting others, call when he would, it certainly never could have been asserted of him that he went there only to see Phebe.

but in spite of that

From this reading Indeed, he often scarcely spoke with her at all when he so dropped in, and yet out of these frequent and informal meetings an intimacy had sprung up between them such as Phebe at least had never known before.

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

From this reading It was another article of the Joppian creed, that there was no such thing possible as a purely Platonic friendship between a young man and a young woman; there must always be "something in it": either a mitten for him, or a disappointment for her, or wedding-cake for all--generally and preferably, of course, the wedding-cake;--and belonging to such friendship as lawfully as a tail belongs to a comet, was a great, wide-spreading area of gossip.