Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

anew

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

plural of “amazon” — a large strong and aggressive woman

From this reading The lazy amazons did not appear.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The lazy amazons did not appear.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

a young person of either sex

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

relating to societies in which capital needed to industrialize is in short supply

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading The lazy amazons did not appear.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

not still wet

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

one or the other of two

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “female” — an animal that produces gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “gallery” — spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “labor” — a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

plural of “larva” — the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading The lazy amazons did not appear.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

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 The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

engage in

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

plural of “male” — an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

laborer who works in a mine

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The lazy amazons did not appear.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

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

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

raise the level or amount of something

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

plural of “republican” — a member of the Republican Party

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

shedding tears

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

very small

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

the upper part of anything

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

plural of “veil” — a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

migratory

From this reading Now and then a single miner might be seen wandering alone at the entrance of their subterranean dwelling.

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

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

at the time that

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading The child was desirous to witness the morning labors of the ants, and to see how, when the dew had prepared their mortar, they built their long galleries.

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

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

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

From this reading They commenced their work at the top, and Piccolissima would have liked to see them again raise and make their walls.

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

From this reading She was, however, disappointed in her purpose, either that the earth dried too quick, as the sun was now high above the horizon; or the tiny republicans, with six feet, were employed in their interior halls, in bringing out the young ants, and were busy tearing off the veils of silk which confined the larvae, and in developing the wings of the males and females; or, whatever might be the cause, the ant hills were deserted.