Chapter XXVII · A “Genuine Chump.”

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

matters of personal concern

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

later than; following

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

a youthful male person

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

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

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

an open river valley (in a hilly area)

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

at any time

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

set up or found

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

destroyed or killed

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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 It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

absolutely essential

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

and nothing more

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

above and across; more than

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

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

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

new

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

express in words

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

in a serious manner

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

a quantity of money

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading So, by talking the matter over, they became greatly interested, and quite curious to hear what Arthur would have to say the next morning.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

plural of “travel” — the act of going from one place to another

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

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

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

at the time that

From this reading When they began to question him at breakfast time he gravely answered that he had heard his papa say that the breakfast-table was not the proper place to discuss business affairs.

during the time that

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.

which person or people

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Miss Harriet, however, said that her “Prince Dusty” was wiser than they imagined, and she did not believe he ever spoke seriously, upon any subject, without knowing pretty well what he was saying.

showing curiosity

From this reading It seemed so absurd that a twelve-year-old boy should be considering plans for raising the large sum of money necessary to help Colonel Dale out of his difficulties, that, after Arthur had gone to bed, those who were left down-stairs found considerable amusement in wondering what his scheme could be.

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

From this reading His grandfather said it would probably be a proposition to form an errand-boy trust; while Mrs. Dale thought it would only prove to be some absurd idea concerning railroad life, that the boy had picked up during his recent travels.