Chapter I

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

(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 Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a female human offspring

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

dearly loved

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

a clergyman or other person in religious orders

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

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

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

make full, also in a metaphorical sense

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a young female

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

possessive form of “grandma” — the mother of your father or mother

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

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

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

decreed by or proceeding from a court of justice

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

plural of “lash” — any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

go away from a place

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

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

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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 Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

used to form the superlative

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

in motion

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

and nothing more

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

above and across; more than

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

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

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

past form of “print” — put into print

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

past form of “purse” — contract one's lips into a rounded shape

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

in a reflective manner

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

possessing material wealth

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

Identical; not different.

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

cause to go somewhere

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

the state of lacking unity

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

move stealthily

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

a message transmitted by telegraph

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, APRON STRINGS, THE PRAIRIE GIRL, ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

in the direction of

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

create by training and teaching

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

plural of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

at the time that

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

in or at the place that

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

which person or people

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

past form of “wink” — signal by winking

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Somehow, without having to be told, Phœbe had always understood that Mother did not like Grandma, or the Uncles, judicial and ecclesiastic.

a late time of life

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Phœbe, with all the solemnity of her fourteen years, puckered her brows over the slip of yellow paper, winked her long lashes at it reflectively, and pursed a troubled mouth.

but in spite of that

From this reading How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

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 How strange that dear Mother should leave the New York apartment in mid-morning, with the usual gay kiss that meant short separation; and then in that same hour should send this message—this command—which was to start Phœbe away from the great city, where all of her short life had been spent, toward that smaller city where lived the Grandmother she had never seen, and the two Uncles—one a Judge and the other a clergyman—who, though her father’s own brothers, were yet strangers to their only niece!

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.

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

From this reading _Printed in U. S. A._ “_Dear little daughter_,” ran the telegram, “_when you get this, fill a suit-case with a few things that you’ll need most, and leave with Daddy for Grandma’s.—Mother._” The train was already moving.