Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

United States professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934)

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

how long something has existed

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

(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 SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments

From this reading "You do it yoursel'," Tommy argued.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

to come or go into

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

a movement into or inward

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

at any time

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

apart from; not including

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

inflected form of “forbid” — command against

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

a young female

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

a work produced by hand labor

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a wife who manages a household while her husband earns the family income

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the work of a housewife

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

range of what one can know or understand

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

apprehended with certainty

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

held dear

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

the force of workers available

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

used to form the superlative

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

in an essential manner

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

paying close attention especially to details

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

and nothing more

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

a protective covering or structure

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

a special situation

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

in a way that was not expected

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

precisely as stated

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

which person or people

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Tommy discovered what they were saying, and to shield Elspeth he took to housewifery with the blind down; but Aaron, entering the kitchen unexpectedly, took the besom from, him, saying:

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

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

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading "It's an ill thing for men folk to ken ower muckle about women's work."

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

From this reading SHOWS HOW TOMMY TOOK CARE OF ELSPETH Thus the first day passed, and others followed in which women, who had known Jean Myles, did her children kindnesses, but could not do all they would have done, for Aaron forbade them to enter his home except on business though it was begging for a housewife all day.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You do it yoursel'," Tommy argued.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Had Elspeth at the age of six now settled down to domestic duties she would not have been the youngest housekeeper ever known in Thrums, but she was never very good at doing things, only at loving and being loved, and the observant neighbors thought her a backward girl; they forgot, like most people, that service is not necessarily a handicraft.

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

From this reading "You do it yoursel'," Tommy argued.