Chapter VII · The Three Brothers

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

later than; following

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

plural of “barn” — an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

having made preparations

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

not still wet

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

set afire or burning

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

plural of “pantaloon” — a buffoon in modern pantomimes; the butt of jokes

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

flavorful relish or dressing or topping served as an accompaniment to food

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

lacking freshness, palatability, or showing deterioration from age

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading “It does one good to be out of doors such an evening as this,” said Albert.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

in the direction of

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

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

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

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

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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

From this reading After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

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

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.

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

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

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 After the early supper of stale bread, saltless butter, dark dried apple sauce, and chippy cake had been disposed of, Lemuel returned to his rocking chair by the stove, Aunt Sabrina and Isabel took seats, each at a window, and read by the fading light, and Albert put on his hat, lighted a cigar, and went out.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Seth was coming from the barns toward the well, with a bucket in his hand.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading His brother John stood smoking a pipe in the yard, leaning against the high well-curb, his hands deep in his pantaloons pocket, and his feet planted far to the front and wide apart.

a late time of life

From this reading Albert walked across to the curb, and the three brothers were alone together for the first time in years.