Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading WHICH TELLS ABOUT MRS.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

(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 Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

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

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

plural of “chime” — a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

-ing form of “exchange” — give to, and receive from, one another

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

conformity or harmony

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

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

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading WHICH TELLS ABOUT MRS.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

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

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

English poet (1824-1897)

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

with low volume

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

your consciousness of your own identity

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

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

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

inflected form of “sun” — expose one's body to the sun

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

having or showing or conforming to good taste

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading WHICH TELLS ABOUT MRS.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

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

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

the state of being under the control of another person

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

plural of “throng” — a large gathering of people

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

without beauty or charm

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

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

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

in or at the place that

From this reading A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

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

From this reading WHICH TELLS ABOUT MRS.

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 A brilliant Christmas morning shone in at Mrs. Dillingham's window, where she sat quietly sunning the better side of her nature.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Her parlor was a little paradise, and all things around her were in tasteful keeping with her beautiful self.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading The Christmas chimes were deluging the air with music; throngs were passing by on their way to and from church, and exchanging the greetings of the day; wreaths of holly were in her own windows and in those of her neighbors; and the influences of the hour--half poetical, half religious--held the unlovely and the evil within her in benign though temporary thrall.

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading DILLINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE PALGRAVE MANSION.