Chapter IX · Retrospective

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

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

later than; following

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

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

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

(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 Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

on or to one side

From this reading Then Phemie laid aside her work and comforted it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

a young person of either sex

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress

From this reading Then Phemie laid aside her work and comforted it.

intentionally conceived

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

lacking spontaneity; not natural

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

take in solid food

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

divisible by two

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

apart from; not including

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

opinion or judgment

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

a young female

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

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

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a half of an hour

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

the act of retaining something

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

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

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

a social unit living together

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

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

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

angered at something unjust or wrong

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Then Phemie laid aside her work and comforted it.

immediately past

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

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 There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

past form of “mend” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

absolutely essential

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

not any; not one

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

the action of attacking an enemy

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

a sudden uncontrollable attack

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

anything happening rapidly or in quick successive

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

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

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

participate in games or sport

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

something left after other parts have been taken away

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

precisely, exactly

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

plural of “scream” — sharp piercing cry

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

without shoes

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

be seated

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

explained or answered

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

in the near future

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

plural of “stocking” — close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

the act of sucking

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

carry out

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then Phemie laid aside her work and comforted it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

up to a particular time

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

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

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

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

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

during the time that

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading There it sat, holding its shoeless foot with its right hand, while sucking the thumb of its left—there it sat, the child looking at the girl to whom the woman’s question, marriage, had come to be solved so soon, until, having exhausted its wonderment, it began to take offence at Phemie’s unusual silence and at last burst out into a paroxysm of indignant screams.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Then Phemie laid aside her work and comforted it.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading During the greater part of the next day, Phemie mended stockings as if her life depended on the rapidity with which she worked.

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

From this reading She would not eat—she would not talk—she would not play with the children—but she would stitch on hour after hour, never lifting her eyes except to look out at the rain, which was pelting down in torrents.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Every one in the house knew as a matter of course that Phemie was making her choice; even the youngest child contemplated her with a vague kind of wonder, dimly conscious that Phemie was thinking of something in which it could have no part or lot—something which separated her from the remainder of the household for the time being, which rendered it necessary for all conversation held in her presence to be unnatural and constrained, and which forced Daniel Aggland, junior—the baby above mentioned—to sit down on the carpet and stare at Phemie for a full half-hour without winking.