Chapter I

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

(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 She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

in addition

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

auguring favorable circumstances and good luck

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

brought into existence

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

put or send forth

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

a young person of either sex

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

in a conclusive way

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

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

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

plural of “countenance” — the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

command with authority

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

take exception to

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

filled with or evoking sadness

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

set up or found

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a child of your son or daughter

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

having or manifesting hope

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

kept in good condition

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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 She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a gay feeling

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

used to form the superlative

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

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

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

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

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

not any; not one

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

United States writer (1925-1964)

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

and nothing more

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a human being

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

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

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

English actress (1847-1928)

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

a special situation

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

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

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading And, moreover, as if to establish quite conclusively the connection between the shining merriment in the skies and the advent of the little child on earth, the first thing the baby did was to smile.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

precisely as stated

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

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

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Old Mrs. Mulcahey knew what she was talking of.

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

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

which person or people

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading This statement, which no matter how much others might doubt but could not dispute, he had direct from his mother’s mother, who was present on that most auspicious occasion, and had observed the unusual conduct of the stellar body from the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Terry O’Connor always declared he was born under a happy star, and he also maintained that at the time of his coming into the world it had danced for very joy.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.

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

From this reading She had seen many new-born children in her time, and all of them, with the exception of her small and only grandchild, had worn such doleful countenances that a less hopeful person than herself would have been cast into despair.