Chapter XI

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

later than; following

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

(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 On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was great excitement at The Pines.

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

From this reading THE GREAT BASE-BALL MATCH.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading There was great excitement at The Pines.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

opinion or judgment

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

brought together in one place

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE GREAT BASE-BALL MATCH.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

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

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

engage in

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading THE GREAT BASE-BALL MATCH.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree

From this reading There was great excitement at The Pines.

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

skillful after much practice

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

reflect brightly

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

superlative of “tall” — great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading “Now, hold on, fellows,” exclaimed one of the tallest, raising his hand for silence.

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

From this reading THE GREAT BASE-BALL MATCH.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was great excitement at The Pines.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

male cat

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

a vagrant

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading There was great excitement at The Pines.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

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

From this reading On a certain afternoon, about a week after the mountain tramp, a dozen or more boys were gathered on the little open plot of ground which the Readville people called the “Common,” eagerly discussing a subject which was interesting enough to make their eyes sparkle and their voices all chime in together as they talked.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Randolph and Tom had practised several times with the Readville Base-Ball Nine, as I have said, Randolph taking the lead, finally, of the whole club.