Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

(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 Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

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

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

have

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

pain resulting from rapid change in pressure

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

third-person singular of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

a baby bed with sides and rockers

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

plural of “cross” — a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

a loud harsh or strident noise

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

having a strong distaste from surfeit

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

a fraudulent or duplicitous representation

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

superlative of “faint” — deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

possessive form of “heaven” — any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

subject to death

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

above and across; more than

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

revealing excessive self-confidence; reaching for the heights

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

plural of “pang” — a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

except for; apart from

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

having or joined by a seam or seams

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

past form of “sicken” — cause aversion in; offend the moral sense of

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a rester who is sleeping

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

in or at that place or location

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

a physiological need to drink

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

plural of “thrill” — the swift release of a store of affective force

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

violent pangs of suffering

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

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

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

unsteady in gait as from infirmity or old age

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

emit long loud cries

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

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

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

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

From this reading Not to _her_; to whom its faintest smile were reward enough for mortal pangs and throes; its faintest wail of pain loud enough to drown the united call of hunger, thirst, and weariness.

which person or people

From this reading "The baby" may not be pretty to any, save those who gave it being.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

belonging to which person

From this reading _The baby was dead._ There are those to whom that phrase conveys but little meaning; there are others whose every heart-string thrills to it.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading And now the minister and his gentle wife had their own sorrow to bear.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Its first smile, its first word, its first tottering step, are trifles all to the busy world without; but ah, not in the little home circle: not to _him_ who contending all day long with the jostling world of trade, sickened and disgusted with its trickeries and overreaching, selfishness, and duplicity, weary with the clamorous din of traffic, crosses at length his own peaceful threshhold, and sitting down by that little cradle, bends a brow seamed with care, over the little sleeper, with heaven's own smile upon its lip, heaven's own purity on its baby brow.