Chapter IV · A Five O’clock Catnip Tea

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

later than; following

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

(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 It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

behave as expected during of holidays or rites

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

go after with the intent to catch

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

an act that fails

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

and nothing more

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

a woman of refinement

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

not any; not one

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

above and across; more than

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

plural of “pilgrim” — someone who journeys in foreign lands

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

a full supply

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

determined

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It is too much to expect that cats can always be better than human beings, at least that all cats can.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

a source of difficulty

From this reading A great many ladies had come to the town by this time, so there was no trouble about getting together plenty of guests for the tea.

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

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

(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 But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

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

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

at the time that

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

which person or people

From this reading When Purrington was started there were a great many who thought that it must fail.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading But Purrington was not a failure; on the contrary it was a great success; and, when it had been built in two weeks, and everything was in running order, and the Purrers were quite sure that their plan was working well, Bidelia and Madam Laura resolved to give a tea to celebrate the founding of the city.

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

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.

intense anger (usually on an epic scale)

From this reading Cats who would not join the pilgrims to the new city sat on back fences and mewed over the certain disappointment awaiting those who went, sometimes spitting in their wrath that any cat should be so foolish as to go on such a wild-goose chase after happiness, just as human folk croak over other people’s experiments.