Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

(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 was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

in an alternating sequence or position

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

take a court case to a higher court for review

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

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

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

a nation in northern North America; the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

superlative of “clear” — readily apparent to the mind

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

any of various ornamental climbing plants of the genus Clematis usually having showy flowers

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

a digestible substance used to give color to food

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

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

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

possessive form of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

having a pattern of dots

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

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

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

plural of “level” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

plural of “lichen” — any of several eruptive skin diseases characterized by hard thick lesions grouped together and resembling lichens growing on rocks

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

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

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

the common people generally

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

used to form the superlative

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

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

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

and nothing more

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

living in or characteristic of farming or country life

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

for a short time

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

plural of “spray” — a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

in a softened tone

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

the rays of the sun

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that could be enjoyed only in rural England.

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

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully looking about on his cousin's lawn.

past form of “tint” — color lightly

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

latticework used to support climbing plants

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

green foliage

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

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

From this reading The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

at the time that

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

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

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Creepers flecked the mellow brick front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued coloring.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada, which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass, alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm.