Chapter I

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

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

a narrow street with walls on both sides

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

the act of causing something to happen

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

a small house with a single story

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

existing for a long time

From this reading "DURABLE RICHES."

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

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

an old word for “before”

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

coins made of gold

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

and nothing more

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

engage in

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

held or filled or in use

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

possessing material wealth

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

an abundance of material possessions and resources

From this reading "DURABLE RICHES."

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

without speaking

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

the season of growth

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

not in physical motion

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

an abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "FRYING-PAN ALLEY," "THE BATTLE-FIELD," ETC.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

coming next after the twenty-second in position

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

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

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

directly under, often hidden by what is above

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.

which person or people

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading But two boys, who were in the woods just outside the village, were far too occupied to notice the leaves.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO., 31, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.

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

From this reading It was a lovely fresh autumn afternoon; there were still a few blossoms in the cottage gardens, and the leaves which were left on the trees were coloured rich crimson and gold and brown, causing them to look almost like flowers ere they dropped off the branches to make room for the young buds that were swelling underneath, and silently preparing for the spring.