Chapter I

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

(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 Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

completing its life cycle within a year

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

in a busy manner

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

of or relating to Christopher Columbus

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

of or relating to an article stating opinions or giving perspectives

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

divisible by two

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

apart from; not including

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading THE GHOST IN THE MILL.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading THE GHOST IN THE MILL.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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 There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading THE GHOST IN THE MILL.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

occurring in or having many forms or shapes or appearances

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

not any; not one

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

according to the clock

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

on one occasion

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

by chance

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

pertaining to or consisting of pictures

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

with low volume

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

-ing form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

in regular succession without gaps

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

express in words

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

fourth Thursday in November in the United States; second Monday in October in Canada; commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading THE GHOST IN THE MILL.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

compelling immediate action

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

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

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In those days we had no magazines and daily papers, each reeling off a serial story.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

at the time that

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

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

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

during the time that

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading There was no theatre, no opera; there were in Oldtown no parties or balls, except, perhaps, the annual election, or Thanksgiving festival; and when winter came, and the sun went down at half-past four o'clock, and left the long, dark hours of evening to be provided for, the necessity of amusement became urgent.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Once a week, “The Columbian Sentinel” came from Boston with its slender stock of news and editorial; but all the multiform devices--pictorial, narrative, and poetical--which keep the mind of the present generation ablaze with excitement, had not then even an existence.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading OME, Sam, tell us a story,” said I, as Hariet and I crept to his knees, in the glow of the bright evening firelight; while Aunt Lois was busily rattling the tea-things, and grandmamma, at the other end of the fireplace, was quietly setting the heel of a blue-mixed yarn stocking.