Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

later than; following

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

(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 When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

with bitterness; in a resentful manner

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

in bodily form

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

brought into existence

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

extremely deep

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

a youthful male person

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

the childhood of a boy

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

in a proud and domineering manner

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

one or the other of two

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

at any time

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

an association of people who share common beliefs or activities

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

for a limitless time

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

physically weak

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

as many as a house will accommodate

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

someone who doesn't understand what is going on

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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 When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

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

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

any art that invokes supernatural powers

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

engage in

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

the force of workers available

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

with passion

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

inspiring mixed contempt and pity

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

the act of buying

From this reading But when he left his little boyhood behind she discovered her futility; she discovered the small, pitiful purchasing power of money, after all.

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

any competition

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

precisely, exactly

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

superlative of “smart” — showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

a male human offspring

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

in the near future

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a special situation

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

plural of “toy” — an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

so as to be easily understood or seen through

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

plural of “trap” — a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

past form of “vow” — make a vow; promise

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

at the time that

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

during the time that

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

which person or people

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

in a wistful manner

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading She could not buy him bodily strength and beauty; she could not buy him fellowship in the world of boys; he was forever looking out at it, wistfully, disdainfully, bitterly, through his plate glass window.

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

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

twist or pull violently or suddenly, especially so as to remove (something) from that to which it is attached or from where it originates

From this reading When they told Marcia Van Meter (Mrs. Horace Flack) that her little boy would always be lame, that not one of the great surgeon-wizards on either side of the Atlantic--not all the king's horses and all the king's men could ever weight or wrench or force the small, thin left leg down to the length of the right, she vowed to herself that she would make it up to him.

a late time of life

From this reading While he was less than ten years old it seemed to her that she compassed it; if he could not race and run with his contemporaries he rode the smartest of ponies and drove clever little traps; if he might not join in the rough sports out of doors he had a houseful of brilliant mechanical toys; he lived like a little Prince--like a little American Prince with a magic bottomless purse at his command.

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

From this reading She was a pretty thing, transparently frail and ethereal-looking, who had always projected herself passionately into the lives of those about her--her father's and mother's--the young husband's who had died soon after her son was born--and now her boy's.