Chapter I

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

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

(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 True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

past form of “attune” — adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

dearly loved

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

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

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

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

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

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

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

opinion or judgment

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

a state of high honor

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

with appreciation; in a grateful manner

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

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

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

full of or characterized by joy

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

young domestic cat

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

plural of “kitten” — young domestic cat

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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 True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

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

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

possession of controlling influence

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

make a soft swishing sound

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

rise rapidly

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

in a swift manner

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

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

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

very small

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

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

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

plural of “treasure” — accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

past form of “welcome” — accept gladly

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

a Caucasian

From this reading By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC.

which person or people

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

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

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

in the company of; together with

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies?

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written.