Chapter XVI

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

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

(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 Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

a line of approach

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

-ing form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

dearly loved

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

divisible by two

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

at any time

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

plural of “fur” — the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

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

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

a Mid-Atlantic state on the Atlantic; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

the middle part of May

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

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

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

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

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

a city in northeastern France in Lorraine

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

and nothing more

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

searching for or buying goods or services

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

adjust to a specific need or market

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

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

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

not in keeping with (and usually undesirable for) the season

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

precisely as stated

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

close enough to be walked to

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

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

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We mustn't dance down the avenue, Sheila," Nancy said, "it isn't done, in the circles in which we move."

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

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

From this reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Sheila and Nancy were doing their Christmas shopping.

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

From this reading The weather, which had been like mid-May--even to betraying a bewildered Jersey apple tree into unseasonable bloom that gave it considerable newspaper notoriety,--had suddenly turned sharp and frosty.

which person or people

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sheila, all in gray fur to the beginning of her gray gaiters, and Nancy in blue, a smart blue tailor suit with black furs and a big black satin hat--she was dressing better than she had ever dressed in her life--were in that state of physical exhilaration that follows the spur of the frost.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "It is you who are almost very nearly dancing, Miss Dear," Sheila said, "I was only walking on my toetips."