Chapter I

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

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

(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 IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

Having no one else present.

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading J. J. Arakelyan, Printer, Boston.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

completely unclothed

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

see with attention

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

make a strident sound

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

fearless and daring

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading J. J. Arakelyan, Printer, Boston.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

(of hair) having curls or waves

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

past form of “dangle” — hang freely

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

the organ of sight

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

set up or found

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading J. J. Arakelyan, Printer, Boston.

hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

a boy or man

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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 His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

staying power

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

hear with intention

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

-ing form of “need” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

a perceptual structure

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

someone whose occupation is printing

From this reading J. J. Arakelyan, Printer, Boston.

on the contrary

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

To recall to mind.

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

a strong line

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

large scissors with strong blades

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

plural of “shred” — a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

start suddenly, as from fright

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

be seated

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

a prostitute who attracts customers by walking the streets

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

a cleansing agent made from the salts of vegetable or animal fats

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

not in physical motion

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

express in words

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

in or at that place or location

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

informal terms for clothing

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading A STORY TO REMEMBER, IN NOVEMBER.

(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

without blushing

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

not known or well known

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

not slowed or blocked or interfered with

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His trousers, in shreds, His legs dangled round, Long needing the threads Which they never had found; While his cap—what was left Of the original pattern— Of all shape was bereft, And looked like a slattern.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

during the time that

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

plural of “whistle” — the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

which person or people

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

in the company of; together with

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

a late time of life

From this reading (_His picture._) Brown and curly his head, Bright blue was his eye, His feet bare and red, His look rather shy; His face, somewhat soiled, Unfamiliar with soap, Was thin, while there curled In his neck, like a rope, Certain locks which had grown, Unhindered by shears That he never had known, You would think, all his years; His shirt was a sight, You may think, to behold, Through which shone the light Unblushingly bold.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.

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

From this reading IF you’ll sit on my knee As still as a stone, And listen to me While we’re all alone— While the wind whistles cold, And the snow falls so fast, While the young and the old Feel the chill of the blast— I will tell you about A poor little lad Who now, without doubt, Is smiling and glad.